Identifying An
Requirements
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National Mapping
Requirements Program:
Resources and Guidance Manual
for
Identifying and Reporting EPA's
Mapping Requirements
EPA Contract No. 68-03-3534
Work Assignment H1-6, Task 1
September 1989
Work Assignment Leader: Alexis Steen
Work Assignment Manager: Jeff Booth
Prepared for:
Office of Information Resources Management
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Submitted by:
BATTELLE
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This report is a work prepared for the United States by Battelle. In no event shall either the United States or
Battelle have any responsibility or liability for any consequences of any use, misuse, inability to use, or reli-
ance upon the information contained herein, nor does either warrant or otherwise represent in any way the
accuracy, adequacy, efficacy, or applicability of the contents hereof.
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Cognizant EPA staff for the preparation of this Manual are Barbara Lamborne and Jeffrey Booth from the Pro-
gram Systems Division of Office of Information and Resources Management. Production of this Manual was
not possible without the able assistance of USGS staff. EPA and Battelle wish to acknowledge the following
individuals: Larry Amos and Michael Chambers from the National Mapping Division; Norman E. Gunderson,
Jonathan Matti, and James McNeal from the Geologic Division; and Jerry Can, Tim Smith, Robert Laney, and
Joseph Rosenshine from the Water Resources Division. Battelle staff who assisted with the Manual preparation
were: Christopher Perry, Bruce Buxton, Larry Hess, Thomas Bigelow, Rod Springer, and Robert Wilson.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION.. . . . . 1-1
SUMMARY ... . . -1-1
1.1 The National Mapping Requirements Program (NMRP).... ... 1-1
1.2 Office of Information Resources Management (OIRM). . 1-1
1.3 Mapping Requirements User's Group (MRUG) .... 1-2
1.4 National Mapping Seminar Series . . 1-2
1.5 Resource and Guidance Manual . 1-2
1.6 National Mapping Requirements Video Series - 1-2
1.7 National Mapping Requirements Program Response .... 1-3
1.8 Information Identification and Acquisition Process ... 1-3
1 8.1 Identification of General Map Categories and Digital Cartographic Data . 1-3
1.8.2 Printed Maps . 1-3
1.8.3 Digital Cartographic Data . . 1-4
1.8.4 Federal Interagency Coordinating Committee on Digital Cartography (FICCDC) 1-4
1.8.5 Map Scale, Accuracy, and Projections . . . ... . 1-4
1.8.6 Information Acquisition Process . .. 1-5
Chapter 2 EPA MAPPING CAPABILITIES IN THE OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT .. 2-1
SUMMARY ... 2-1
2.1 Environmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory—Las Vegas, Nevada . 2-1
2.1.1 GIS and Remote Sensing Research . . .... 2-1
2.1.2 Technical Support to the Regions .. 2-4
Technical Evaluations.. ... . .. .... 2-4
2.1.3 GIS Technical Memoranda . 2-4
2.1.4 GIS Training 2-6
2.1.5 Remote Sensing and GIS Case Studies .. 2-6
2.2 The Environmental Photographic Interpretation Center 2-10
2.2.1 Products and Services . . 2-10
2.2.2 Summary of Products and Services from EPIC .. 2-17
2.2.3 EPIC Automated Report Information Retrieval System (Report Locator). 2-17
Chapter 3 USGS MAPPING CAPABILITIES . 3-1
SUMMARY ... 3-1
3.1 Geological Survey . . • 3-1
3.1.1 USGS Mission 3-1
3.1.2 Organizational Structure .. 3-2
3.2 National Mapping Division. ... .. ... ... • 3-2
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3.2.1 Organizational Structure 3-4
3.2.2 Programs and Activities 3-4
3.2.3 Map Production 3-6
3.2.4 Digital Cartographic Data Production 3-10
3.2.5 Mapping Research 3-16
3.2.6 Dissemination of Map Products and Cartographic Information 3-16
3.2.7 Coordination of Federal Mapping Requirements 3-17
3.3 Geologic Division 3-18
3.3.1 Organizational Structure 3-18
3.3.2 Mapping and Research Programs and Products 3-19
3.4 Water Resources Division 3-39
3.4.1 Organizational Structure 3-40
3.4.2 Programs and Activities 3-40
3.4.3 Federal Program 3-42
3.4.4 Federal-State Cooperative Program 3-53
3.4.5 Hydrologic Maps 3-56
3.5 Mapping Requirements Statement Development 3-56
3.5.1 The National Mapping Division 3-60
3.5.2 The Geologic Division 3-61
3.5.3 Water Resources Division 3-64
3.6 Conclusion 3-64
References R-1
Glossary G-1
Exhibit A. Mapping Request Form Exhibit-1
Appendix A. Key Contacts for the EPA National Mapping Requirements Program A-1
.Appendix B. Mapping Requirements User Group (MRUG) Membership B-1
Appendix C. U.S. Geological Survey Offices C-1
Appendix D. Guide to Information and Publications of the U.S. Geological Survey D-1
Appendix E. Map Products and Mapping Agencies E-1
Appendix F. State Mapping Advisory Committees and Contact Names F-1
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure
1-1. This flow chart illustrates the overall Information Acquisition Process and its interrogatory
steps 1-6
2-1. This figure presents the Office of Research and Development (ORD) Environmental Monitoring
Systems Laboratory organizational structure 2-2
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2-2. In this aircraft multispectral scanner imagery, collected over Dungeness Bay, Washington, the
raw data records the amounts of energy reflected by the earth's surface in several channels or
bands of wavelength. Computer-assisted analysis and comparison with known reflective patterns
allows a grid cell classification of the type of surface cover. In this example, the data are classi-
fied in terms of vegetation habitats occurring within the intertidal zone of a portion of Puget
Sound .... 2-5
2-3. Intensive site analyses often include mapping of drainage patterns, such as this buffered drain-
age area in the Commencement Bay CIS Demonstration project 2-7
2-4. Wetlands analyses typically rely on aerial photographs for vegetation identification, such as in this
Pearl River Wetlands ADID project . 2-8
2-5. The Denver Brown Cloud project used Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) data to model
atmosphere particulate levels at specific elevations. These data are from the January 20, 1988
event 2-9
2-6. This figure shows a time sequence for the Hooker S area site in Niagara Falls, New York, from
1938 to 1984. Vertical and oblique (shot at an angle to the ground), black and white, and color
aerial photographs were analyzed for this sequence which clearly illustrates substantial change
and development of the site 2-12
2-7. Shown here is a Marathon Development Corporation site in Seekonk, Massachusetts Black and
white, natural color, and color infrared aerial photography are all used to map a broad range of
impacts on wetlands environments. Black and white aerial photography is a valuable tool for illus-
trating changes over time. Natural color photography allows mapping of submerged aquatic vas-
cular vegetation and delineation of emergent plant species. Color infrared photography is often
valuable for enhancing the recognition of wetland plant species, illustrating the vegetation that
may be stressed, and emphasizing the land/water interface in wetland areas 2-16
3-1. The U.S. Geological Survey is composed of five divisions . ... 3-3
3-2. This organizational chart shows the various offices within the National Mapping Division of the
U.S. Geological Survey. See Appendix C for USGS contacts 3-5
3-3. A wide variety of maps are available through the National Mapping Division. Scales of the maps
differ depending on the amount of detail needed . ... 3-7
3-4. This is a portion of a 1:24,000-scale map of the Stafford, Virginia, area. It was produced from a
7.5-minute quadrangle map and is typical of the topographic maps produced by the USGS 3-9
3-5. This is a portion of a 1:100,000-scale topographic map of Sonoma County, California. It is one of
the first maps in a new USGS county series at scales of 1.100,000 or 1:50,000. The maps are
formatted on county boundaries rather than parallels or meridians . 3-11
3-6. This is a portion of a 1:250,000-scale map of the Stafford, Virginia, area. Note the difference in
detail between this map and Figure 3-4 .. 3-13
3-7. Image maps, such as these orthophotoquads of Cooper City, Florida, are useful in discerning
land use changes over time . .. 3-14
3-8. This prototype map shows a Level III land use and land cover in part of the Maywood, Indiana,
7.5-minute quadrangle base map .... 3-15
3-9. The U.S. Geological Survey's Geologic Division consists of the Office of the Chief Geologist and
six subordinate offices.. 3-19
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3-10. To illustrate the diverse applications of mapping, this figure shows four schematic geologic quad-
rangle maps combined into a mosaic. The geologic cross section at the bottom of the mosaic
shows subsurface relations along a transect parallel to the bottom of the map. A geologic map
also serves as the base for geochemical and geophysical maps 3-20
3-11. This geologic map of Laporte Quadrangle, Larimer County, Colorado (Map GQ-1621, 1:24,000) is
an example of a general purpose map that provides a detailed background framework. The sub-
ject area is underlain primarily by bedrock geologic materials, but with local deposits of surficial
materials. The major geologic units are a sequence of north-south trending nonmarine and
marine sedimentary rocks (units PPf through Kpl) that rest depositionally on an older terrane of
granitic and metamorphic rocks (units Ysp through Yxr and units Xbc through Xcg). An east-west
oriented geologic cross section interprets subsurface relations among these units and explanatory
material identifies their physical characteristics and age as well as the meaning of lines, symbols,
and colors 3-22
3-12. This thematic map presents a variety of information on the Hyannis Quadrangle, Barnstable
County, Cape Cod, Massachusetts (Map GQ-1158,1:24,000). As a general purpose map, it
describes an area underlain primarily by surficial deposits of glacial origin but including materials
formed in near-shore marine and coastal wetlands environments. A north-south geologic cross
section interprets subsurface relations among these surficial materials; explanatory material iden-
tifies their physical characteristics and age as well as the meaning of lines, symbols, and colors . 3-24
3-13. Identifying earthquakes that occurred in the eastern United States (1534-1984) is an example of
data that can be used in combination with a general purpose geologic map to evaluate the poten-
tial for earthquakes and their recurrence 3-27
3-14. This view of the landslide potential in the United States is an example of a special purpose geo-
logic map. It is based on information derived from general purpose geologic maps 3-28
3-15. Geologic mapping is conducted at varying scales depending on the complexity of the geology
and the intended use (site-specific evaluations versus regional planning). From left to right, the
scale of each geologic map is more detailed, culminating in a 1:24,000-scale map that is typically
produced by the National Geologic Mapping Program 3-29
3-16. These geochemical maps reveal concentrations of selenium and mercury in soils at the Panoche
Fan Study area 3-32
3-17. The use of ground-penetrating radar allows the mapping of subsurfaces and is a valuable tech-
nique for examining localized environmental problems, such as the extent of a creosote plume .. 3-34
3-18. Electromagnetic induction, another geochemical mapping technique, provides data on the interac-
tion of inorganic and organic compounds with clay minerals 3-34
3-19. A Coastal Map Series is being produced that will combine topography (onshore) and bathymetry
(offshore) maps with thematic maps, such as sediment grain size distribution, to provide detailed
information on various coastal areas. This COASTMAP series will be helpful in addressing coastal
problems such as erosion 3-37
3-20. The mapping of coastal erosion allows us to predict future erosion and better assess the effec-
tiveness of mitigation efforts. These maps show the effects of erosion over a 125-year period
(1853 to 1978). Maps such as these are frequently developed in cooperation with State geological
surveys 3-38
3-21. The Water Resources Division has numerous functions which are carried out at two levels. The
headquarters level consists of the Chief Hydrologist, Associate Chief Hydrologist, and five Assis-
tant Chief Hydrologists. At the field level are four Regional Hydrologists, each of whom is located
at a regional center 3-41
IV
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3-22. This figure shows the geohydrology and dissolved-solids concentration in water from the High
Plains Aquifer. Source: Krothe et al, 1982 3-43
3-23. Comparison of ground-water flow conditions before and after development in the Floridian aquifer
system, southeastern Georgia. A = Before development, pre-1900. B = After development, early
1980s. Source: Krause and Randoph, 1987 3-44
3-24. This multipanel figure presents a sewage plume in ground water downgradient from Otis Air
Base, Cape Cod. Massachusetts (1983). A = Water table configuration. B-D = Area! distribution
of boron (B) in micrograms per liter. C = Detergents (methylene-blue-active substances) in milli-
grams per liter. D = Volatile organic compounds in micrograms per liter. Source: Modified from
LeBlanc, 1984, and Thurman et al., 1984 3-46
3-25. This map, a sample of those produced under the National Water-Quality Assessment Program,
shows the major ion chemistry in the shallow zone of a study unit.. 3-48
3-26. This map, showing the sediment transport of selected rivers in the United States, reflects one of
six major areas of study by the Water Resources Division. Source: Concentration map modified
from Rainwater, 1962; sediment discharge data compiled by R.S. Parker and R.H. Meade from
files of the U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the International Bound-
ary and Water Commission.... .... 3-49
3-27. This multipanel figure examines the fate and transport of hazardous substances at a designated
study area 3-50
Figure 3-27a shows the vertical distribution of phenolic-compound contamination in a surficial
aquifer, Pensacola, Florida (1985).
Figure 3-27b presents an area! distribution of total phenolic-compound contamination in a surficial
aquifer at a wood-preserving plant, Pensacola, Florida, (1985). A = Location of plant site. B-C =
Extent of contamination in the water-table zone (B) and the shallow, semiconfined zone (C).
Source: Modified from Franks et al., 1986.
3-28. This map shows an example of the types of data compiled in the WATSTORE data base, which
is national in scope. Here, trends in total phosphorous concentrations at U.S. Geological Survey
National Stream Quality Accounting Network stations in the conterminous United States, 1975 to
1981, are shown. Source: Compiled from data in Smith and Alexander, 1983 3-53
3-29. This multipanel figure is an example of a water use map for a specific state—Wisconsin—in
1985. Public Supply refers to water withdrawn by public or private suppliers and delivered to
domestic, commercial, and industrial users who do not supply their own water. In terms of
agricultural uses, irrigation consumed about 84 million gallons of water per day in 1985. Source:
Modified from USGS maps produced by Ellefson, B.R., Rury, K.S., and Krohelski, J.T., 1988 3-55
3-30. Water availability maps, such as this Georgia map, are becoming increasingly popular. Here,
principal river basins and related surface water resources, along with selected discharge rates,
are plotted and graphed for easy reference. Bar graphs show average discharge (light blue) and
30-day minimum discharge (dark blue) by water year at selected stream-gaging sites. The curve
is a 15-year weighted average of the annual values. Source: Water resource regions and
subregions from Seaber et al., 1984; surface water resources development from Hitt, 1986; dis-
charge data from USGS files 3-57
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LIST OF TABLES
Table
2-1. Remote Sensing Projects and Products 2-14
3-1. Summary of Cartographic Data and Map Information Available from Earth Science Information
Center (ESIC) 3-17
3-2. Geologic Information Products 3-30
3-3. Scales of Geologic Maps Commonly Used by USGS 3-31
3-4, Geophysical Mapping Techniques 3-35
3-5. Type of Data Collected in the Hydrologic Data-Collection Program 3-52
3-6. Summary Listing of Map Products Available from USGS 3-58
3-7. National Mapping Division's Program Status Maps and Indices 3-62
3-8. Listings of USGS Maps and Associated Prices 3-62
3-9. Listing of DLG and DEM Scales and Content 3-63
VI
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National Mapping
Requirements Program
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NATIONAL MAPPING REQUIREMENTS PROGRAM
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Office of Information Resources Management (OIRM) has initiated a National Mapping Requirements Pro-
gram (NMRP) for EPA. The purpose of the NMRP is to provide EPA personnel the mechanism to identify, com-
municate, and acquire the geographic information necessary to meet program office goals.
OIRM established the NMRP in response to the U.S. Geological Survey's (USGS) request for EPA require-
ments for planning USGS national mapping programs. The focus of the NMRP was on the USGS map
products and services as they pertain to EPA needs, as well as the Agency's own internal mapping capabilities
provided by the Office of Research and Development. OIRM, through the NMRP, is responsible for coordinating
the Agency's mapping requirements and its response to the USGS and other Federal agencies which provide
mapping services.
The NMRP was designed to be a continuing program to identify EPA's present and long-term mapping
requirements, communicate those needs to the appropriate agency, and provide the mechanism(s) for acquir-
ing the geographic information. This goal was accomplished by establishing the following:
• Mapping Requirements User's Group (MRUG)—comprised
of representatives from the Program Offices, Regions, and
Laboratories, to communicate the goals and requirements
of the NMRP
• National Mapping Seminar Series—conducted by EPA and
the USGS to inform EPA personnel of the mapping prod-
ucts and services available to them.
• Resource and Guidance Manual—produced to serve as a
product-oriented, reference document to assist EPA per-
sonnel in identifying and submitting their mapping
requirements.
• NMRP Video Series—produced to highlight the National
Seminar Series and to accompany the Resource and Guid-
ance Manual for further review or Program summary.
• National Mapping Requirements Program Response—a
consolidated. Agency-wide compilation of mapping
requests from EPA staff which was summarized, ranked,
and submitted to the USGS for consideration in its national
mapping programs' production schedules.
• Information Identification and Acquisition Process—pro-
vided to assist EPA personnel in determining what geo-
graphic information is available, where it is available, and
how to acquire it.
The current focus of the NMRP is on USGS map products, data, technical and cartographic services. The
USGS, as the premier mapping agency, has national programs designed to identify Federal agency mapping
needs.
The USGS looks within and without its organization to identify map needs and to set priorities for future map
production. The USGS mapping programs are conducted by three separate divisions, which rely on a coordi-
nated approach to map production. The National Mapping Division (NMD) of USGS conducts the National
Mapping Program (NMP), as directed by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-16. The NMP
involves solicitation of Federal agencies for their cartographic and geographic mapping needs on an annual
basis. The Geologic Division's (GD) National Geologic Mapping Program (NGMP) also identifies the mapping
requirements of Federal agencies to identify areas in need of geologic mapping. There is no formal national
program counterpart in Water Resources Division (WRD). Their review of hydrologic mapping requests from
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Federal agencies are conducted on an as-received basis. However WRD has numerous programs that result in
the production of various types of map products.
The goal of EPA's National Mapping Requirements Program is to foster information exchange. Through the
NMRP, OIRM will assist EPA personnel in identifying and prioritizing geographic information needs and will
coordinate Agency responses to the USGS. The NMRP will also result in an increased awareness of available
geographic information and services, both within EPA and the USGS, as well as other Federal agencies. OIRM
intends to increase options for EPA personnel to obtain information necessary for environmental protection. In
addition, OIRM will assist in identifying the most cost-effective methods for obtaining the needed geographic
information.
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Chapter 1
Introduction
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Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION
SUMMARY
Chapter 1 reviews the products, services, and responsibilities of the National Mapping Requirements Program
(NMRP), the Office of Information Resources Management's (OIRM) involvement, and the cooperative roles of
the EPA and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) which led to this EPA National Mapping Requirements
Program.
1.1 The National Mapping Requirements Program (NMRP)
The purpose of the NMRP is to establish a mechanism for identifying and prioritizing EPA's current and long-
term geographic information requirements. The NMRP is initially concentrating on U.S. Geological Survey's
(USGS) map products and services and will respond to the USGS concerning agency requirements on a con-
tinuing basis. The reporting process to USGS is in direct response to requests from the Geological Survey
for EPA involvement in two national mapping programs: (1) the USGS's National Mapping Program, which
produces a variety of cartographic and image products and (2) the USGS's National Geologic Mapping Pro-
gram, which produces a variety of geologic map products. The National Mapping Division annually canvasses
Federal agencies as part of the USGS responsibility outlined in the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
Circular A-16. As the designated lead Federal agency for mapping, USGS has an important role in coordinat-
ing and producing the Federal government's primary geographic information. This mandate has been broad-
ened to include geologic mapping under the National Geologic Mapping Program, which was initiated in
FY 1968 to accelerate compilation and interpretation of data for the production of geologic maps.
The USGS's National Mapping Division, the Geologic Division, and the Water Resources Division jointly
solicited EPA's participation to aid in the identification of mapping requirements. The Office of Information
Resources Management (OIRM) responded by establishing the National Mapping Requirements Program
(NMRP) and the process by which EPA will report their geographic information needs to the USGS.
The NMRP mechanisms currently consist of the following products and services:
Mapping Requirements User's Group (MRUG);
National Mapping Seminar Series;
Resource and Guidance Manual;
NMRP Video Series;
Agency Response to the USGS; and
Information Identification and Acquisition Process.
1.2 Office of Information Resources Management (OIRM)
The NMRP is being developed, conducted, and maintained within the Office of Information Resources
Management (OIRM) by the Program Systems Division (PSD) in the Information, Technology and Integration
Branch (ITIB). OIRM established the NMRP and the position of the NMRP Manager to lead the Agency-wide
effort to identify mapping needs, prioritize those needs, and respond to the USGS. OIRM's mission is to
ensure that the necessary information and information tools are available to EPA Program and Regional
offices, which includes the planning, development, and operation of information systems and services in sup-
port of the Agency's administrative, programmatic, and research functions. Through the NMRP, OIRM will
attempt to increase Agency awareness of available geographic information, assist in identifying mapping
needs, and facilitate the acquisition of the requested geographic information. OIRM has the responsibility for
developing a coordinated response to the USGS's national mapping programs.
Initial steps in the EPA coordination process were to discuss interagency communications with the EPA
Office of Federal Activities, contact USGS staff for details on their national programs, and determine the
optimum methods for OIRM to respond to the USGS requests for EPA participation. OIRM desires to com-
municate to the entire Agency that the selection and evaluation of future mapping need is necessary for
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maintaining and expanding a comprehensive scientific information base to address environmental concerns
properly. Key contacts are listed in Appendix A.
To obtain Agency-wide participation in the NMRP, 01RM desired to communicate with each EPA Program
Office, Region, and Laboratory concerning the availability of geographic information within the USGS's
national mapping programs and within EPA. The communications process involved letters to Senior Informa-
tion Management Officers and other parties to announce and solicit interest in the NMRP, and to establish a
core of active members for a Mapping Requirements User's Group (MRUG).
1.3 Mapping Requirements User's Group (MRUG)
The Mapping Requirements User's Group (MRUG) consists of EPA representatives from the Headquarters
Program Offices, Regions, and Laboratories. MRUG's function is to communicate the goals and requirements
of the NMRP to EPA staff and to facilitate information exchange within the Agency. Information exchange is
accomplished through periodic national teleconferences, status reports, and NMRP product reviews (manual,
mapping request submittal form, evaluation criteria selection) by MRUG representatives. All phases of the
NMRP process were evaluated to provide a consolidated Agency-wide perspective. MRUG members are
expected to take an active role in expressing Agency requirements and in informing other EPA personnel of
the NMRP process to ensure the success of the program. MRUG participation is open to all EPA personnel
and is encouraged for a more comprehensive and informed Program response. Anyone wishing to participate
in MRUG and the NMRP should contact the Program Manager directly. See Appendix B for MRUG
Representatives.
1.4 National Mapping Seminar Series
A National Mapping Seminar Series was conducted by OIRM and the USGS to educate and inform EPA per-
sonnel of the NMRP, mapping products, and services available and the process by which to identify and
request geographic information. Ten seminars were conducted nationwide at Regional Offices, Headquarters,
and Laboratories during the summer and fall of 1988. The first hour of the seminar was designed as an
executive overview of the NMRP, its goals, objectives, and benefits, as well as a programmatic summary of
the USGS and its three divisions which provide mapping services. The remainder of the seminar was a tech-
nical review of the divisions (National Mapping, Geologic, and Water Resources), their capabilities, products,
and services as they pertain to EPA needs.
1.5 Resource and Guidance Manual
This document was prepared as a companion to the OIRM seminar series for the Agency-wide mapping pro-
gram and to assist EPA personnel in assessing their geographic information needs. This first edition of the
manual is intended to provide a summary of EPA and USGS mapping products, capabilities, sources, and
contacts for further geographic information identification. As part of this document, a process is illustrated
which will assist in determining and submitting future EPA mapping requirements. Revisions to this manual
are presently scheduled to include pertinent mapping capabilities information from other Federal agencies.
1.6 National Mapping Requirements Video Series
NMRP Video is available for review and study by EPA personnel. The first two videos are a studio production
of the seminar series which parallels its informational content and format. An executive overview is available
for viewing separately from the technical presentations. The videos were produced for those EPA personnel
who were unable to attend the national seminar series or who merely wish to review the information
presented on the mapping capabilities and products of the USGS. Additional videos are also available
describing the technical expertise of EPA's Office of Research and Development (ORD). These videos
describe procedures and practical applications in the areas of Geographic Information Systems, Remote
Sensing, and Environmental Photographic Interpretation.
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1.7 National Mapping Requirements Program Response
It is the desire of OIRM to foster the exchange and acquisition of geographic information within the Agency.
Mapping needs may range from individual maps for specific locations, to a broad acknowledgment that EPA
will need national coverages for diverse environmental concerns.
The NMRP is intended to aid the EPA Program Offices, Regions, and Laboratories in identifying their
future mapping needs for response to the USGS. As a result of the efforts of the MRUG members and the
National Mapping Seminar Series, OIRM receives mapping requests from EPA staff for the products and
services provided by USGS, EPA, and other Federal agencies. A mapping needs summary report will be
compiled by OIRM, reviewed by MRUG members, and organized by Agency priority. This consolidated,
Agency-wide response will include the summarized, ranked, and prioritized mapping requests for submittal to
USGS for incorporation into its three-divisional budget requirements analyses for the following fiscal year.
When the USGS evaluations are complete, EPA will receive notification of the results of their requests
within the overall responsibilities of the USGS Divisions. This notification will Indicate how USGS intends to
incorporate EPA's requests into their program planning and production schedule, and when the requests are
scheduled for completion. This long-term planning process makes responding to immediate mapping needs
difficult, especially when USGS will be incorporating EPA requests, and other Federal agency requests, into
its following fiscal year planning.
USGS may not be able to respond to all of the EPA requests in a manner that meets the Agency's needs.
High priority EPA cartographic and geographic information needs, which the Agency recognizes as requiring
special attention from USGS, can be given greater emphasis in view of several options: demonstration
projects; work-share; and cost-share agreements. However, prior to any mteragency agreements for future
map production, EPA's internal capabilities and resources should be reviewed. Many of EPA's mapping
requirements can be accomplished through the expertise of the Office of Research and Development (ORD)
and is the focus of Chapter 2. OIRM suggests that EPA staff contact the NMRP Manager for assistance in
determining geographic information requirements and the options available for their acquisition.
1.8 Information Identification and Acquisition Process
Geographic information identification and acquisition is a planning process that requires a predetermined
project design and methodology—both of which include interdisciplinary consultation and support. The follow-
ing section is designed to assist EPA staff in identifying and acquiring the necessary geographic information
after a project has been designed and a -methodology for project implementation has been established. OIRM
recognizes the importance of preproject design including consultation, project scoping, and technical support
to identify the appropriate knowledge base for successful project implementation and completion. OIRM
encourages EPA staff to contact the NMRP Manager for assistance in identifying the appropriate technical
support for designing a geographically based application for environmental concern.
1.8.1 Identification of General Map Categories
and Digital Cartographic Data
Background information on distinctions between maps and what types of maps are available is briefly sum-
marized below. Greater detail is presented in Chapter 2 and Chapter 3 on the EPA capabilities and USGS
programs, respectively, that produce maps and cartographic information relative to the development of a map-
ping needs request.
1.8.2 Printed Maps
The general categories of maps are planimetric, topographic, thematic, plots of digital data, and photometric.
Each of these categories is discussed below.
Planimetric maps are those that contain only two-dimensional data (no relief). Base maps are included in
this group since they are used as a beginning for the compilation of data for more specialized maps. Prop-
erty maps, line-route maps, and national outline maps are examples of planimetric maps.
Topographic maps are further developments of a planimetric map with terrain and elevation details added.
The most familiar topographic maps are the quadrangle map series, although there are also engineering,
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flood control, landscape, and bathymetric topographic maps. In addition, terrain information is provided on
shaded-relief topographic maps which simulate shadows to highlight terrain details, and on slope maps which
portray elevation changes as a function of degree of slope.
Maps devoted to portraying a special theme are referred to as thematic maps. Examples are geologic,
climatologic, historical, population, hydrologic, and land use thematic maps.
The plots of computerized data containing spatial components are referred to as digital maps. There are
three types of digital map data: point, line, and area! (polygon). Data for a digital map are stored by coor-
dinates, so that a consistent measurement scale is needed for those data. The major benefit of digital maps,
for the user, is that the original data can be accessed automatically, analyzed, and layers of data accurately
compared. Revisions and corrections to maps are also easier with digital data.
Photometric maps are used for rapid production of a map and are compiled from satellite, radar, sonar, or
photographic systems data. Such maps are usually supplements to other map series and are considered to
be interim maps. Orthophotoquads are photographic images (usually black and white) in the format of a
quadrangle map and contain little additional cartographic information. Orthophotomaps are cartographically
enhanced Orthophotoquads. Both of these images have been adjusted to remove distortion effects.
1.8.3 Digital Cartographic Data
USGS is increasingly using digital data to produce maps. One of the goals of the NMP is to provide national
coverage of primary cartographic data in digital form through the National Digital Cartographic Data Base
(NDCDB) (USGS 1987). Data sharing and coordination with other agencies is being used to build and expand
this national data base. The NMD will be transforming cartographic information, which had been presented in
graphic form on its maps, into digital data for computerization. The GD is using digital data in the production
of some of its maps, especially those in the Mineral Assessment Programs. Several data bases have been
digitized by WRD (e.g., hydrologic units) and these data bases are also used to produce maps.
1.8.4 Federal Interagency Coordinating Committee
on Digital Cartography (FICCDC)
In 1983 the FICCDC was created to (1) facilitate coordination and exchange of digital cartographic data by
Federal agencies; (2) provide advice to USGS on digital data needs for the NDCDB; and (3) develop Federal
standards for the NDCDB (USGS, 1987). The FICCDC has been chartered through 1991 by the Office of
Management and Budget, is chaired by USGS, and contains representatives from 12 Federal agencies. The
FICCDC is undergoing a rechartering review with EPA representation on that panel. EPA is also represented
on several of the FICCDC working groups.
1.8.5 Map Scale, Accuracy, and Projections
A map is a symbolic visual representation of a location. The scale of a map is the ratio between distances in
the area being mapped and the corresponding distance on the map. Therefore, the terms "small" scale and
"large" scale refer to the relative magnitude of the ratio: the larger the scale, the smaller the area being
mapped. When great areas of land are to be covered, the number of large-scale maps required may be cum-
bersome. Therefore, to maintain general content accuracy and reduce the number of maps needed, a user
may select an intermediate scale map for a region of interest. It should be noted that when changing map
scales, the content accuracy does alter. Highest accuracy and greatest detail are found in large-scale maps.
LARGE SCALE 1:24,000 (7.5-minute quadrangles)
1:50,000
INTERMEDIATE SCALE 1:62,500 (15-minute quadrangles)
1:100,000
SMALL SCALE 1:250,000 1:500,000 1:1,000,000 and above.
Mapping the curved, three-dimensional surface of the earth in two dimensions results in projection distor-
tions, which vary with the type of projection. There are two major types of projections: equal area or con-
formal. Some projections are capable of equal-area mapping where constant scale is maintained, but shapes
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and angles are distorted. This type of projection would be appropriate when it is of primary importance to
measure or compare areas. When scale and shapes are of primary importance a conformal projection is
used, but constant scale cannot be maintained. The most frequently used projection is the conformal. There
are several familiar examples: (1) Lambert conformal conic projection which is used for State base maps at
1:500,000 scale and some of the 7.5-minute quadrangles; (2) Mercator conformal cylindrical projection which
is used for nautical charts; and (3) Universal Transverse Mercator projection which is used for large-scale
mapping, including some of the 7.5-minute quadrangles.
1.8.6 Information Acquisition Process
The acquisition of geographic information requires a systematic and thorough approach if the process is to
be successful. A flow chart diagram (Figure 1-1) has been included to assist EPA personnel in understanding
the procedures involved in acquiring the geographic information. This process is intended as a general guide
to data acquisition, and therefore does not go into specific detail regarding issues of scale, quality assur-
ance/quality control, data entry, documentation, verification, etc. OIRM encourages all EPA staff to contact the
NMRP Manager and ORD staff for further clarification concerning these and other important issues. The
NMRP Manager is available to answer specific questions at each phase of the acquisition process.
1-5
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Project Design
(Goals and Objectives)
What Geographic Information is Required?
(Historical Coverages. Future Needs)
Yes
Who Maintains the Information?
Government
• EPA
• Federal
• State
• Local
Private
• University
• Non-profit
• Commercial
Does the Geographic Information Currently Exist?
Yes
Could Other Information be
Substituted or Interpreted?
(Replacement Data)
[ No
Can the Information be Produced?
Is There an Established Mechanism for Acquiring the Information?
Yes
4-
(Time. S)
Who can Produce the Information*
Can a Mechanism be Established?
No I Yes
What are the Mechanisms?
EPA Produced
Memorandum of Understanding
Inter-agency Agreement
Work-share
Cost-share
Demonstration Project
Contract Vehicle
NMRP ••••••••
Government
• EPA
• Federal
• State
• Local
Re-evaluate
Project Design
• MRUG
• Video
• Resource & Guidance
Manual
• Map Request
Form
Private
University
Non-profit
Commercial
Re-evaluate
Project Design
Is There an Established Mechanism
for Producing the Information?
What are the Mechanisms?
EPA Production
Memorandum of Understanding
Inter-agency Agreement
Work-share
Cost-share
Demonstration Project
Contract Vehicle
NMRP
Figure 1-1. This flow chart illustrates the overall Information Acquisition Process and its interrogatory
steps.
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Chapter 2 EPA Mapping Capabilities in
the Office of Research and Development
-------
Chapter 2
EPA MAPPING CAPABILITIES IN THE
OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
SUMMARY
77?e EPA Office of Research and Development (ORD)/Environmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory (EMSL-LV)
in Las Vegas, Nevada, provides geographic information system (GIS) and remote sensing support (image
processing, aerial imagery acquisition, and interpretation) lor hazardous waste site investigations, assessments,
and removal and remedial actions under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Lia-
bility Act of 1980 (CERCLA) as amended, under the revised National Contingency Plan (NCP), and under the
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (RCRA). Support is provided through the Advanced Monitor-
ing Systems Division (AMD) and its branches in Las Vegas, Nevada, and Warrenton, Virginia. The Remote and
Air Monitoring Branch (AMS) provides multispectral image processing and GIS support to EPA programs. The
Environmental Photographic Interpretation Center (EPIC) is a second branch of AMD and provides operational
aerial photo interpretation and topographic mapping support. The EMSL-LV organization is illustrated in
Figure 2-1.
2.1 Environmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory—Las Vegas, Nevada
The Spatial Analysis Laboratory (SAL), which is under EPA's Environmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory's
(EMSL-LV) Remote and Air Monitoring Branch, is EPA's Center of Excellence for GIS and remote sensing
research. SAL's primary purpose is to investigate, develop, and integrate spatial information systems in sup-
port of the Agency's mission.
EMSL-LV's mission includes the following objectives:
• Advance GIS and remote sensing research to meet EPA's
needs;
• Facilitate transfer of GIS and remote sensing technology
to EPA Regions and Program Offices; and
• Provide technical and policy support on GIS and remote
sensing to all EPA programs and Regional offices.
To introduce the agency initially to the potential of remote sensing and GIS technologies, demonstration
projects were conducted by EMSL-LV in each of the regions and across a broad spectrum of agency pro-
grams. Much of EMSL's work to date has been through these demonstration projects. As more of the
Regional offices develop their own GIS implementation teams, the emphasis of EMSL-LV work on demonstra-
tion projects will diminish and greater emphasis will be placed on research programs, technology transfer,
and support roles described below:
• Technical support to the regions;
• New technology evaluation;
• GIS technical memoranda series; and
• GIS training.
Because the demonstration projects conducted by EMSL-LV are numerous, three projects have been
selected as case studies to be described in detail here. The case studies describe how a GIS has been used
as a platform for other forms of data analysis including passive remote sensing imagery, active remote sens-
ing (such as LIDAR), and modeling of flow systems.
2.1.1 GIS and Remote Sensing Research
As EPA's GIS Center of Excellence, EMSL-LV has undertaken a research program aimed toward the refine-
ment of GIS and remote sensing technology and tools for the development of a broad range of applications
specific to agency needs.
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Office of the Director
Office of Program
Management and Support
Richard I Garnas. Director
Allan E Smith, Acting Deputy Director
702/798-2584
QA and Methods
Development Division
Ronald K Mitchum. Director
Vacancy, Deputy Director
702098-2)03
Methods Research
Branch
Stephen Billets. Chief
702/798-2609
Quality Assurance
Research Branch
James D Petty. Chief
702/798-2383
Advanced Monitoring
Systems Division
Eugene P Meier. Director
Jamei C Payne Jr . Deputy Director
702/798-2237
Aquatic and Subsurface
Monitoring Branch
Joseph! D'Lugou. Chief
702/798-2368
Remote and Air
Monitoring Branch
Thomas H Mace. Chief
702/798-2260
Environmental Photographic
Interpretation Center
lohnH Montanan. Chief
703/349-8970
Nuclear Radiation
Atsessment Division
Charles F Costa. Director
John M Moore. Acting Oep Director
702/798-2305
Dose Assessment
Branch
Norman R Sunderland. Chief
702/798-2326
Field Monitoring
Branch
DarylJ Thome. Chief
702/798-2340
Exposure Assessment
Research Division
J Gareth Pearson. Director
Llewellyn R Williams, Deputy Diiector
702/798-2203
Ecosystems Monitoring Program
Roberto Schobrod.
Acting Program Mgr
702/798-2229
Exposure Monitoring
Program
Stephen C Hern, Acting Program Mgr
702/798-2594
Radioana lysis
Branch
Chung-King Liu, Chief
702/798-2151
Co-Located Units
Office of Radiation Programs
• Las Vegas Facility
Wayne A Bliss, Director
702/798-2476
Off ice of Civil Rights
PatMcnenzie
Area Director
702/798-2512
Personnel Office
•Las Vegas
Arthur Sandoval. Jr, Director
702/798-2404
Financial Management Office
Alan 8 lewis.
Financial Manager
702/798-2486
Region 9-Las Vegas
James L Johnson,
Team Leader
702/798-22S1
Figure 2-1. This figure presents the Office of Research and Development (ORD) Environmental
Monitoring Systems Laboratory organizational structure.
GIS Research. EMSL-LV has initiated a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation to
help establish the National Center for Geographic Information Analysis at the University of California at Santa
Barbara, the University of Maine at Orpno, and the State University of New York at Buffalo. Through this
agreement, EMSL-LV will be coordinating its research efforts with other GIS researchers to examine design
criteria for large spatial data bases, GIS data standards, quality assurance/control for spatial data, and the
spatial representation of data uncertainty.
Other areas of GIS research being explored by EMSL-LV investigators include the following:
• Menu-driven user interface systems which allow less
experienced users to access GIS data bases;
• ARC Macro Language (AML) programs to speed data pro-
cessing and map product generation;
• Integration of external software programs to supplement
ARC/INFO capabilities for data display and analysis;
• Specific tools and standard methodologies for CERCLA
site assessment which serve to decrease the cost for using
GIS for site-specific analysis;
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• Three-dimensional modeling of data for scientific
visualization;
• Incorporation of expert systems into GIS to broaden the
decision-making capabilities of these support systems;
• Techniques to optimize data processing and sorting in GIS;
• Use of GIS as a platform to support environmental trans-
port model development;
• Spatial data quality measurement and statistical analysis;
and
• Development of EPA program-specific data base design
standards and standards for data capture, data quality,
documentation, and display.
Remote Sensing Research. The intent of EMSL-LV's remote sensing research agenda is to continue the
development of tools and techniques that will assist the agency in the monitoring and modeling of environ-
mental conditions. EMSL-LV's research initiatives focus on experimentation with new active and passive sen-
sor systems for enhancing data analysis, handling, and storage techniques. These research activities include
the following:
• Evaluation of new, high-spectral-resolution sensor systems
such as AVIRIS which provides 224 spectral channels of
information;
• Evaluation of new spatial data processing and analysis
techniques;
• Development of quality assurance and control methods to
quantify the quality of output products;
• Use of remote sensing in conjunction with GIS technol-
ogy to perform ecological risk assessment analysis in sup-
port of EPA's programs;
• Development of standardized data integration techniques
particularly for the conversion of data from raster (grid) to
vector (line) format;
• Definition of specifications for new sensor systems that will
meet EPA's diverse applications and monitoring needs;
• Continued development of enhancements to existing sen-
sor system, such as navigational data integration, data
recording, and decommutation enhancements; and
• Continued development of active remote sensing systems
such as the UVDIAL for sensing concentrations of airborne
ozone, SO2, and NO2 and LIDAR (Light Detection and
Ranging) for sensing concentration of airborne particulates
at varied elevations.
EMSL-LV research in remote sensing has enabled the agency to map many different environmental media,
including national air quality. The succeeding paragraph is included as an example of how remote sensing
tools provide critical support for the implementation of the Federal environmental statutes.
Visibility Monitoring and Assessment. In support of the Clean Air Act of 1977 (CAA), EMSL-LV has been
the Agency's center of technical expertise on monitoring and assessment for visibility-protected Class I areas,
required by CAA Section 169A. Activities include design, deployment, management, operations, and inter-
pretative analysis of data from routine and research monitoring programs. EMSL-LV staff maintain a high level
of involvement in nearly every major multiparticipant visibility program including SCENES, WHITEX, and
RESOLVE (research monitoring in the southwest United States); IMPROVE (a nationwide routine monitoring
program); and the visibility assessment for the National Acid Precipitation Assessment Program. In addition,
staff act in an advisory role in a number of programs including NESCAUM (a consortium of eight north-
eastern states), and, in California, for the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency visibility monitoring programs.
These activities allow EMSL-LV to provide up-to-date technical assistance concerning availability of existing
data, monitoring approaches, network design, and data interpretation.
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2.1.2 Technical Support to the Regions
EMSL-LV provides technical support for regional project development involving GIS and remote sensing. The
GIS assistance has included support for Regions in the development of custom system tools (e.g., tape
management libraries, command libraries, symbol tables), review of documents on pilot projects, assistance
in designing GIS data bases, and consultation on hardware and software problems associated with the use of
GIS. Additionally, EMSL-LV maintains a GIS HOTLINE (FTS: 545-2179) to provide direct access to support
staff for questions concerning GIS, remote sensing, and computer operations. Help with data conversion is
the most often requested item on the hotline. Through this work, EMSL-LV assists in the Integration of GIS
technology throughout EPA, as well as supporting specific regional projects.
Remotely sensed images are available upon request to the regions. EMSL-LV is experienced in all aspects
of imagery collection, spectral data processing, and classification. EMSL-LV also has the tools and expertise
to ground truth the image classification correctly and georeference the image to the field location. Landsat,
thematic mapper, and AVHRR satellite data can be purchased for anywhere in the country. In addition, low
altitude multispectral scanner data can be collected using EMSL-LV's own plane and scanner. Remote sens-
ing can be used to delineate land cover, stressed vegetation, wildlife habitats, and has been used very suc-
cessfully for mapping wetlands (Figure 2-2).
Technical Evaluations
EMSL-LV has been called upon to review new and emerging technologies and assess whether these new
technologies have an appropriate role in assisting EPA to further its mission. Currently, EMSL-LV is conduct-
ing technical evaluations for the Office of Information Resources Management (OIRM) In the following areas:
• PC GIS: EMSL-LV is evaluating the usefulness of PC GIS,
its utility in the Regions, and interfaces with other com-
puter platforms.
• Workstations: EMSL-LV is evaluating workstations and net-
work systems that would run between the workstations and
mini-computer-based GIS.
• GIS/Remote Sensing: EMSL-LV is investigating data trans-
fer algorithms between these two technologies, which
would involve the combination of vector and raster data.
• Global Positioning Systems: Topics pertinent to GPS sur-
vey planning, reconnaissance, and post-processing are
being explored through the use of GPS in project work at
EMSL-LV.
Further technical evaluations and cooperative efforts are planned in support of the program goals of the
Office of Information Resources Management.
2.1.3 GIS Technical Memoranda
To disseminate the knowledge and experience that it gains through demonstration projects, support pro-
grams, and other technical research, EMSL-LV publishes a series of technical memoranda. To date, the
topics of published and draft memoranda are as follows:
• "GIS Project Planning and Data Set Selection," published
as GIS Technical Memorandum 1-88;
"Processing Digital Line Graphs using ARC/INFO";
"One-to-Many Relationships in ARC/INFO";
"Methods for Population Enumeration Using a GIS";
"Nationwide TIC Reference System"; and
"Global Positioning Systems: A Primer."
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Drift
E«Igrosa
Elymus
Solicornia
Eelgrass A Sand
Sub tidal Vegetation
|| Dun« Vegetation & Sond
L| Mud A Sand With Sporte Drift
| | Sand * Mud
|H Gravel
•B Water
Figure 2-2. In this aircraft multispectral scanner imagery, collected over Dungeness Bay, Washington,
the raw data records the amounts of energy reflected by the earth's surface in several
channels or bands of wavelength. Computer-assisted analysis and comparison with known
reflective patterns allows a grid cell classification of the type of surface cover. In this
example, the data are classified in terms of vegetation habitats occurring within the Inter-
tidal zone of a portion of Puget Sound.
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2.1.4 GIS Training
EPA will begin its own training program to instruct agency personnel in GIS and in the development and use
of specific EPA GIS applications. Reliance upon vendor training classes will be substituted with classes
explicitly tailored to meet EPA's GIS training needs. EMSL-LV will support OIRM on the content and structure
of the GIS training program. EMSL-LV will be calling upon the University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB)
to assist with the refinement of curriculum and will provide instructions for those individuals who will become
EPA's GIS trainers. In addition, EMSL-LV will develop and present workshops on advanced topics in GIS.
2.1.5 Remote Sensing and GIS Case Studies
Three projects have been chosen for presentation in this Resource and Guidance Manual that are represen-
tative of the breadth of EMSL-LV's technical capabilities and expertise.
The Commencement Bay GIS is a project designed to support the execution of the National Contingency
Plan process for hazardous waste site cleanup. The Pearl River Advanced Wetlands Identification GIS was
built to compare different methods of wetland delineation and to serve as a platform for wetlands extent
monitoring. The Denver Brown Cloud Project was developed using GIS as a tool to display and visualize the
spatial distribution of LIDAR data and, eventually, to show the correlation of air quality with land use.
Commencement Bay NPL Site. EMSL-LV's work with the Commencement Bay NPL Site is an example of
a demonstration project that has become a useful tool for environmental analysis in a Superfund site assess-
ment. The project has given the Superfund remedial project manager the ability to browse, view, sort, and
analyze data in ways previously unavailable because of the tremendous volume of data available. EMSL-LV's
work demonstrated the power of combining a relational data base with a GIS, providing analytical processing
capabilities and the ability to produce high-quality maps and summaries.
With the assistance of the Region 10 Superfund site manager, EMSL-LV obtained the Knowledgeman data
base from the Superfund site contractor, and also acquired data on potential sources of contamination,
including fish and water samples. EMSL-LV used this data, in addition to data purchased and digitized at the
SAL, to build a comprehensive GIS data base.
Using ARC/INFO's NETWORK module, the segments of the drainage network contributing to outfalls in the
bay were identified by simulating flow throughout the system. A map of outfalls and the associated drainage
network was produced (Figure 2-3).
A digital parcel data set was obtained from the City of Tacoma and was incorporated into the GIS data
base. By examining concentrations of contaminants at outfalls and the associated drainage network, parcels
that may have contributed to the drainage could be identified. The data for these parcels could in turn be
used to identify potential contributors of contaminants.
Pearl River Advanced Wetlands Identification. This project was initiated through a joint venture by
EMSL-LV and Region 6 to promote GIS technology within the region. The region's Environmental Services
Division believed that GIS could provide the tools necessary for the environmental analysis required for the
Advanced Identification Process (ADID). Approximately 131,000 acres in size, the Pearl River wetlands con-
tains one of four bottomland hardwood forests in the United States and is being adversely impacted by sur-
rounding urbanization, channelization, and planned flood control projects.
ADID is a mechanism where wetland sites are identified based upon their suitability for future disposal of
dredged or fill materials. Wetlands sites are assessed according to functional values, wetland trends, develop-
mental pressures, and environmental analysis. GIS is being used to organize, integrate, analyze, and display
environmental, geographic, and anthropogenic data associated with the ADID process. GIS objectives have
focused on the development of analytical methods for delineation of wetlands, correlation to National Wet-
lands Inventory data, and technical transfer of these methods for analysis of other wetland association.
Wetlands delineation was based on comparisons of hydrologic extent, vegetation analysis, and soil types.
GIS was used to perform watershed modeling and integrate remote sensing analyses with various base map
and digital data from the U.S. Geological Survey and Soil Conservation Service (Figure 2-4). Remote sensing
played a significant role in the compilation of land use data, using Thematic Mapper imagery for classifica-
tion of land use types. A Theoretical Distribution of Wetlands module (TDW) has been developed at EMSL-LV
to allow access, display, and analysis among the various spatial data bases compiled during the life of the
Pearl River ADID Project. Using a menu-driven user interface, users can easily perform sophisticated data
base queries related to wetlands delineation; initiate multiple-criteria comparisons, including the National
Wetlands Inventory; and produce graphic displays and hard-copy maps of various analyses.
Denver Brown Cloud Project. EMSL-LV and Region VIII initiated the Denver Brown Cloud project to exam-
ine the feasibility of integrating Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) data with GIS. LIDAR is a laser technol-
ogy which records, as a digital signal, the back scatter from particles or other substances reflecting the laser
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Drainage Network With
Direction of Flow
Drainage Allocated to
Lincoln Drain Outfall
ZOO Meter Buffer Zone
Figure 2-3. Intensive site analyses often include mapping of drainage patterns, such as this buffered
drainage area in the Commencement Bay CIS Demonstration project.
beam. Because the back scatter from LIDAR may be due to factors other than particulates in the air, the
Denver Brown Cloud project attempted to correlate LIDAR values with particulate values as measured by
ground-monitoring stations. For the correlations, the particulate measurements from the ground-monitoring
stations will be regarded as "truth." If the correlations indicate that the LIDAR values are highly correlated
with the ground monitoring station values, then the LIDAR and GIS may be used as a technique to model
atmospheric particulate (Figure 2-5). Initial results of the correlation tests between LIDAR and the ground-
station data have proven inconclusive.
A second major effort of the Denver Brown Cloud project involved the development of a methodology for
air pollutant exposure assessment. As part of an initial effort, LIDAR values from 30 meters elevation over
Denver were grouped into nine ranges. The spatial distribution of these ranges was then mapped. Census
tracts were digitized from 1:24,000-scale maps and population data by census tract and age/sex categories
were obtained. The number of persons for specific age/sex categories were then overlaid with the ranges of
LIDAR data as a preliminary assessment of populations at risk from particulate pollution. If LIDAR is vali-
dated as being an accurate measure of particulate pollution, LIDAR readings taken at various elevations
could be overlaid with a variety of population and health statistics to assess health risks from particulate
pollution.
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BOTTOM LAND HAMIMIS
Figure 2-4. Wetlands analyses typically rely on aerial photographs for vegetation identification, such
as in this Pearl River Wetlands ADID project.
2-8
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200 meters
160 ne(en
100 aeteri
Figure 2-5. The Denver Brown Cloud project used Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) data to model
atmosphere particulate levels at specific elevations. These data are from the January 20,
1988 event.
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2.2 The Environmental Photographic Interpretation Center
The Environmental Photographic Interpretation Center (EPIC) provides operational remote sensing support to
EPA Offices and Regions nationwide. EPIC is staffed by professionals skilled in applying photo interpretation
methods and techniques to analyses of a variety of natural and cultural resources and impacts to these
resources by man or natural processes.
EPIC has two separate facilities, each supported by private contractors who perform the majority of the
aerial photo acquisition, photographic processing, and analysis work. EPIC operations are located at the
EMSL in Las Vegas and at EPIC branch headquarters in Warrenton, Virginia.
Aerial photography is the most common remote sensing technique for supporting the Spill Prevention Con-
trol and Countermeasures (SPCC), CERCLA, and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
programs and investigations. The principal aerial photographic system used is the 9" x 9" mapping camera.
Color and black and white film is most frequently used for photo analysis, black and white is often used for
mapping, and color infrared films are often used to enhance such features as surface water turbidity, soil
moisture, and vegetation stress. Various types of aircraft are used at flight altitudes ranging from 1,000 to
25,000 feet above the ground to obtain imagery at scales appropriate for the different types of information
being sought. A number of special purpose products are produced from photographic data which are based
on advanced technologies. Such products include topographic and flood plain mapping using
photogrammetry.
Most historical photography is black and white. Little color or color infrared photography is available for the
years prior to 1970. A major reference source for historical photography is the Earth Science Information Cen-
ter of the U.S. Geological Survey, which maintains an index of the imagery holdings of the Earth Resources
Observations Satellite (EROS) Data Center of the Department of the Interior and of the Aerial Photography
Field Office of the Department of Agriculture. The earliest photography is available from the National
Archives.
Archival aerial photography provides a valuable source of information for the historical analysis of sites and
is routinely used. EPIC often uses the Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps which provide information about a site
between approximately 1860 and the advent of regularly acquired aerial photography circa 1920. For more
than a century, the Sanborn Map Company of Pelham, New York, has published maps and atlases of more
than 12,000 U.S. cities and towns. These large-scale, highly detailed maps of commercial, industrial, and
residential buildings are designed to provide accurate, current, and detailed information to fire insurance com-
panies about the buildings they insure. The Sanborn maps furnish information about ownership, occupancy,
building layouts, and materials used in chemical and other manufacturing processes.
2.2.1 Products and Services
EPIC offers a wide range of aerial products and services including the following:
• Aerial Photo Overflight Planning and Data Acquisition;
• Aerial Film Processing;
• Historical Aerial Photo Search and Acquisition; and
• Aerial Photo Analyses.
Image analysts are fully qualified to provide expert witness testimony on the analysis findings. In addition,
EPIC has interagency agreements with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Geological Survey for
preparation of the following:
Topographic and Planimetric Maps;
Orthophotos;
Analog and Digital Map Products;
Photogrammetric Mensuration;
Aerotriangulation;
Digital Elevation Models (OEMs);
Digital Line Graphs (DLGs); and
Custom Map Perspectives (e.g., 3-D modeling).
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EPIC produces fully annotated maps and photos and descriptive reports as specified in requests for its
services. Descriptions of seven project types are summarized below and presented in Table 2-1:
Emergency Response Documentation;
Single-Date Analyses;
Intensive Site Analyses;
Waste Site Inventories;
Wetlands Analyses;
Fracture Trace Analyses; and
Photogrammetnc Mapping.
The first four of these—Emergency Response, Single Data Analyses, Intensive Site Analyses, and Waste Site
Inventories—are basic types of remote sensing projects under the CERCLA, RCRA, and other EPA programs.
The highest priority projects are emergency responses to hazardous material release situations requiring
rapid assessment of conditions at a site. When current information on a site is required, new photography is
acquired. Single-date analysis may be conducted on this new imagery or on historical imagery taken during
a particularly significant period in the history of a site. Intensive site analysis projects are performed on
selected sites to document changing conditions over a period of time and include analysis of both current
and historical photography. Finally, waste site inventories are surveys over large areas and are used to estab-
lish a baseline reference of possible sites.
Emergency Response. Emergency requests are given top priority and emphasis is directed toward quick
response. Emergency requests are usually in response to a hazardous materials release and require informa-
tion on current conditions at a site. Extent and location of visible spillage, vegetation damage, and threats
to natural drainage and human welfare are examples of information gathered from emergency response
activities. Typical products for an emergency response project include an immediate telephone report followed
by photographic prints or positive film transparencies with interpretation results annotated on overlays to the
photos, annotated topographic maps, and a short letter report describing analysis results. Scales for emer-
gency photo coverage vary with condition and area coverage requirements. A response time of 1 to 5 days is
typical, depending on weather conditions and type of coverage required.
Single-Date Analyses. Projects in this category are conducted on a routine basis to acquire current infor-
mation on a site or sites. These projects usually require acquisition of new aerial photography, although
recent photographic coverage of a site may suffice. Analysis generally focuses on surface drainage condi-
tions, evidence of leachate, vegetation damage, adequacy of containment features, and threats to sensitive
habitats. Final output products include reports documenting the analysis results containing photographs and
maps with interpretation annotated on clear overlays to pinpoint the site locations and conditions. These
projects can normally be completed in 6 to 36 weeks after data collection, depending on the number, size,
and complexity of the sites and on the detail of information required.
Intensive Site Analyses. These projects are performed for an analysis of changing conditions at a site
over time (Figure 2-6). These projects rely heavily on the availability of historical aerial photography (available
from the 1930s for many areas). Photographic coverage of a site prior to the existence of any hazardous
waste processing and disposal activities is obtained when available, as is coverage at several points in time
.afterwards.
Intensive studies performed by EPIC have characterized changes in surface drainage conditions; identified
the location of landfills, waste treatment ponds/lagoons, and their subsequent burial and abandonment;
detected and identified the burial of waste drums, and their horizontal extent in burial pits; and recommended
drilling sites for sampling and identification of the sources of spillage and discharge of wastes
Generally, an intensive site investigation requires 4 to 6 months to complete. However, the time required to
complete any project will depend on the number of available data sets that must be acquired, processed,
and analyzed. Acquisition of imagery alone takes approximately 2 months. Output products for intensive site
investigations include a detailed report documenting the photo analysis results for each data set, and a sum-
mary of the analysis with specific reference to the purpose and requirements of the requester. The reports
usually include photographs and maps with major observations annotated on clear overlays. Annotated photo-
graphic enlargements for field or legal purposes can be provided.
Waste Site Inventories. EMSL-LV conducts general inventories over relatively large areas to detect and
locate hazardous waste sites. The inventories are conducted by using archival, recent, and/or newly acquired
aerial photography and may be single-date or multi-date in nature. Site locations are annotated on map
sheets or on overlays to maps and photographs. No detailed site analyses are performed, but data sheets
are provided with a brief description of each site. The interpreter will frequently flag those sites that appear to
be particularly hazardous or threatening.
2-11
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Hooker S-Area Site September 25, 1938
Approx. Scale 1:3,100
Figure 2-6. This figure shows a time sequence for the Hooker S area site in Niagara Falls, New York,
from 1938 to 1958. Vertical and oblique (shot at an angle to the ground), black and white,
and color aerial photographs were analyzed for this sequence which clearly illustrates
substantial change and development of the site.
2-12
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INDUSTRIAL
INTAKE
CONSTRUCTION
Hooker S-Area Site August 9, 1958
Figure 2-6. (Continued)
Scale Variable
2-13
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Table 2-1. Remote Sensing Projects and Products
Project
Type
Application
Product
lurn-Around
Approximate
Cost/Site
Emergency
Response
Single
Date
Analysis
Intensive
Analysis
Hazardous
Materials
Release
Current
Information
Change
Analysis
Prints and Over-
lays, Annotated
Maps, Interpreta-
tive Description
Report with
Prints, Maps,
Overlays, and
Interpretative
Description-
Single Date
Report with
Prints, Maps,
Overlays, and
Interpretative
Description Using
Historical and
Current Data
24 hours
6 to 36
4 to 6
months
$3.1 K
$3.8K (Single
sites) $2.1 K
(Multi-sites)
$6.2K
Area
Inventory
Wetlands
Analyses
Photo-
geology and
Fracture
Trace
Analysis
Photogram-
metry
Regional
Survey
Mapping and
Change
Analysis
Mapping and
Quantitative
Analysis
Mapping and
Quantitative
Analysis
Report with
Prints, Maps,
Overlays, and
Interpretative
Description
Report with
Prints, Maps,
Overlays, and
Interpretative
Description
Report with
Prints, Maps,
Overlays, and
Interpretative
Description
Topographic Maps,
Area and Volume
Calculation
2 to 12 $70/sq mile
months
3 to 8
months
1 to 5
months
3 to 6
months
'We have insufficient data at present to provide accurate cost. Call for cost estimate on specific sites. Cost varies with
site size and data density.
'Cost depends on contour intervals, size of site, population density, and on whether or not ground survey teams are
required to wear protective gear while surveying the sita The larger sites will average out to lower cost per acre than
the small sites. The costs have ranged from $10.00 to $1.300.00 per acre depending on the mapping requirement of
each site. It is more cost-effective to conduct the ground survey around the hazardous waste site and not require the
survey team to suit up into protective gear.
2-14
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The use of archival photography offers the most economical and accurate method of compiling these
inventories. The time required to complete an inventory will vary with the total square miles involved, the
number of sites, the chronological range, number of dates of photography, and the analysis requirements.
Superfund Site Atlas. Uncontrolled hazardous waste sites listed by the EPA as being eligible for remedial
response actions under Superfund are documented in photographic volumes for each EPA region. The atlas,
intended as a reference document and planning guide for hazardous waste site cleanup under CERCLA con-
tains site location, maps, and color aerial photographs with photo overlays showing the boundaries of the
sites and surrounding areas. The atlas covers those sites designated as eligible on the National Priorities List
(NPL) of September 1984. EMSL-LV maintains an index to available aerial photographic data for these priority
sites.
Removal and Remedial Action Documentation. Aerial photography is collected before, during, and following
removal and remedial actions at selected sites. Such documentation provides a useful record of the effec-
tiveness of the cleanup efforts.
Wetlands Analyses. Executive Order 11990, "Protection of Wetlands," requires Federal agencies conduct-
ing certain activities to avoid the adverse impacts associated with the destruction or loss of wetlands. EPA's
"Statement of Procedures on Floodplain Management and Wetlands Protection" requires programs to
(1) determine if proposed actions will be in or will affect wetlands and (2) to avoid or minimize adverse
impacts of those actions. Besides indicating actual impacts such as vegetation damage or habitat loss, aerial
photographs can delineate areas that may be impacted if remedial action does not address certain problems.
Aerial photographs can provide information as to vegetation type, wetland-upland boundaries, and draining
patterns (Figure 2-7).
Photogeology and Fracture Trace Analyses. Photogeologic analysis services from EPIC entails the
interpretation of the geology of an area from an analysis of landforms, drainages, tones, and vegetation distri-
bution visible on aerial photographs. Information derived from photogeology has proven to be useful to
hydrologists working at those hazardous waste sites having ground-water contamination problems.
Fracture trace analysis involves the use of aerial photographs and other types of imagery to identify linear
features on the earth's surface. Linear features have several origins: geological (fractures, faults, dikes); vege-
tational (row crops, orchards); and man-made (roads, railways). Fracture trace analysis is often used for the
placement of monitoring/remedial wells around CERCLA and RCRA hazardous waste sites. Fracture traces
are naturally occurring and are defined as surface manifestations of subsurface fracture zones in the bed-
rock. Fracture traces are of environmental concern because contaminants are likely to move more easily
through zones of fractured bedrock than through more consolidated bedrock.
Photogrammetric Mapping. EMSL-LV produces topographic and feature maps, generally at small contour
intervals, using precision photogrammetry where control points have been established. This technique
requires specialized equipment, complex computations, aerial photography, and field surveys. These maps
are produced using the National Map Accuracy Standards and EPA Photogrammetric Mapping Specifications.
Map scales, contour intervals, and planimetric details can be varied to suit specific requirements. A typical
output from a Photogrammetric project might include an orthogonally correct black-and-white, enlarged pho-
tograph of a site and reproducible Mylar map sheet(s) containing highly accurate, detailed topographic and
planimetric features. At a very large scale (e.g., 1 inch equals 50 feet) the map may show buildings, roads,
railroads, drainage features, bridges, culverts, fences, driveways, poles, sidewalks, individual trees, fire
hydrants, manholes, catch basins, and other features of simitar size.
There are several useful applications of photogrammetry in support of hazardous waste site assessments
and removal or remedial actions. Highly accurate topographic and planimetric details may be recorded with-
out setting foot on the site. This capability can be significant in overcoming problems related to gaining
access to private lands and related to protecting field personnel from hazardous conditions. Maps may be
useful in measuring the area, volume, and locations of the hazardous material to be handled (such as con-
taminated soil); defining drainage patterns; determining the height and placement of containment berms,
dikes, and impoundments; and determining the depth of waste pits. Photogrammetric techniques are also
useful in support of geophysical monitoring or well monitoring in terms of establishing precise location and
orientation data. In addition, changes in size, shape, and other physical characteristics of a waste site can be
documented through sequential photogrammetric mapping.
2-15
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Date of Photography: July 18, 1987
Approx. Scale 1:5,900
Figure 2-7. Shown here is a Marathon Development Corporation site in Seekonk, Massachusetts.
Black and white, natural color, and color infrared aerial photography are all used to map a
broad range of impacts on wetlands environments. Black and white aerial photography is
a valuable tool for illustrating changes over time. Natural color photography allows map-
ping of submerged aquatic vascular vegetation and delineation of emergent plant species.
Color infrared photography is often valuable for enhancing the recognition of wetland
plant species, illustrating the vegetation that may be stressed, and emphasizing the
land/water interface in wetland areas.
2-16
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2.2.2 Summary of Products and Services from EPIC
Examples of EPIC products and services include aerial photo overflight planning, data acquisition, and anal-
yses; aerial film processing; historical aerial photo search and acquisition; topographic and planimetric maps;
orthophotos; analog/digital map products; digital elevation models (OEMs) and line graphs (DLGs); and cus-
tom map perspectives (e.g., 3-D modeling). EPIC projects are facilitated through EPA Regional Office staff
designated as Remote Sensing Coordinators.
2.2.3 EPIC Automated Report Information Retrieval
System (Report Locator)
EPIC has developed its new report information data base which will provide all ERA Regional and Program
offices with both hard copy of, and interactive computer access to, summaries of all aerial photographic anal-
yses project reports ever completed by EMSL, Las Vegas. Information in the data base includes the following:
site name;
EPIC project number;
report date;
site size;
funding source;
project officer;
image analyst;
NPL number;
report name;
7-1/2' quad name;
latitude/longitude;
EPA Region;
State;
county;
city; and
SSID number.
In addition, the data base lists the dates, types, and scales of aerial photographs analyzed as well as the
types of information obtained from the analysis. A user's guide, manual, and computer disks/tapes will be
available for distribution to Regional and Program offices.
2-17
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Chapter 3
USGS Mapping Capabilities
-------
Chapter 3
USGS MAPPING CAPABILITIES
SUMMARY
Chapter 3 identifies the mission of the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and describes in detail the
mission, organization, and capabilities of the three USGS program divisions:
• National Mapping Division (NMD)
• Geologic Division (GD)
• Water Resources Division (WRD).
The current programs of each division are described, as well as plan/metric, topographic, thematic, photo-
image, and digital mapping activities, products, and services available to EPA. Selected research and
development efforts are identified for each division along with specialized capabilities that may be tailored to
meet special mapping needs
Major programs that are identified in this chapter include:
NMD National Mapping Program (Section 3.2)
GD National Geologic Mapping Program (Section 3.3.2.1)
GD Environmental Geochemistry and Geophysics Program
(Section 3.3.2.2)
GD Offshore Mapping Program (Section 3.3.2.4)
WRD Federal Program (Section 3.4.3)
WRD Federal-State Cooperative Program (Section 3.4.4)
WRD Other Federal Agency Program (Section 3.4.3).
Essential information required to develop a statement of mapping requirements to be conveyed from EPA to
USGS is presented. As part of the Agency NMRP, these requirements will be compiled, reviewed, prioritized,
and presented to USGS. Table 3-1 (see page 3-17) lists the USGS program status maps from the NMD for
illustration of map coverage. Contacts from either EPA or USGS can assist EPA staff in the development of
mapping requirements which may be satisfied by existing products or require a special mapping request.
Exhibit A at the end of this document contains the form for use in communicating your mapping needs to
OIRM.
3.1 Geological Survey
The United States Geological Survey (USGS), a bureau of the United States Department of the Interior, was
established in 1879 to conduct a systematic and scientific classification and examination of the public lands,
geological structure, and mineral resources of the Nation. Soon after its establishment? the USGS began
topographic surveys to prepare reliable base maps of the Nation, and in 1888 began irrigation surveys to
measure the flow of the Nation's streams. These tasks were expanded in 1962 when the USGS began to
examine the ocean floor and certain areas outside the United States, and in 1983 when the USGS began to
evaluate resources in the newly created U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) which stretches 200 nautical
miles seaward from the Nation's coastline.
3.1.1 USGS Mission
The mission of the USGS is to collect, interpret, and publish information about the Nation's energy, mineral,
water, and land resources; to determine the geologic structure of the United States; and to develop an
understanding of earth processes and hydrologic principles. To accomplish its mission, the USGS performs
the following functions:
• Conducts and sponsors research in geology, hydrology,
cartography, geography, and related sciences and pro-
vides scientific support for legislative, regulatory, and
management decisions.
3-1
-------
• Produces and updates geographic, cartographic, and
remotely sensed information in graphic and digital formats.
• Collects and analyzes data on the quantity and quality of
surface water, ground water, precipitation, and water use.
• Assesses water resources and develops an understand-
ing of the impact of human activities and natural
phenomena on hydrologic systems.
• Describes the onshore and offshore geologic framework
of the Nation and develops an understanding of its for-
mation and evolution.
• Describes the aquifer framework of the Nation and devel-
ops an understanding of ground-water flow systems and
water quality.
• Assesses energy and mineral resources, determines their
origin and manner of occurrence, and develops tech-
niques for their discovery.
• Evaluates hazards associated with earthquakes; volca-
noes; floods; droughts; toxic materials; landslides; subsi-
dence, and other ground failures; and develops methods
for hazards prediction.
• Publishes reports and maps, establishes and maintains
earth science data bases, and disseminates earth science
data and information.
• Coordinates topographic, geologic, and land-use mapping;
digital cartography; aerial photography; and water-data
activities with Federal, State, and local agencies as well
as with academia and industry.
3.1.2 Organizational Structure
The USGS is organized into five divisions (Figure 3-1). Its scientific studies are conducted in the National
Mapping, Geologic, and Water Resources Divisions. The Information Systems and Administrative Divisions
provide support for these studies. The National Mapping Division produces topographic maps and updates
and revises these maps periodically, conducts research to improve map production and techniques to
develop new map products, and develops national digital cartographic and geographic data bases. The Geo-
logic Division conducts geologic, geochemical, and geophysical investigations to determine the geologic
structure and processes affecting the Nation, to assess the energy and mineral resources of the Nation, and
to establish geologic factors that bear on land use, environmental quality, and geologic hazards. The Water
Resources Division conducts investigations on the amount and quality of the Nation's surface and ground
water, studies hydrologjc flow and transport processes to better understand, evaluate, develop, and manage
the Nation's water resources, coordinates water data acquisition activities of other Federal agencies, and
works with other Federal agencies to investigate specific water-resource problems.
3.2 National Mapping Division
The primary mission of the National Mapping Division (NMD) is to conduct the National Mapping Program.
This program provides cartographic and geographic products for the United States and outlying areas of
sovereignty and jurisdiction. The products include several series of topographic maps in both graphic and
digital form, photo and other image maps, land use and land cover maps and associated data, geographic
names information, geodetic control data, and remotely sensed data.
The NMD conducts several activities to accomplish its mission:
• Collects, compiles, and analyzes information about natu-
ral and man-made features on the Earth's surface, and
documents changes as appropriate.
• Produces and maintains a series of accurate and up-to-
date, general purpose base maps and thematic maps.
3-2
-------
Organization of the Geological Survey
U S Department of ttw interior
AsiitUnt
Director*
Engineering Geology
Program*
Administration
Research
Infoimation Systems
Intergoveinmental Affairs
Associate Director |
Staff Off ices
Washington uaiton
Cqual Employment
Opportunity
CongresuonaJ Liaiion
Public AHan
Water Resource* Divnion
Chief Hydrologist
Anociate Cluef
Annum Chief Hydrologist
for Scienttf K information
Afsmant Chief Hydrotogiit
for Program Coordination
and Technical Support
Officei
Atmospheric OepMition
Analysis
Ground Water
Surf ace Witti
Water Quality
A»ittint Division Chief for
Program Budget and
Administration
Officei
Budget and Program
Development
Strategic Analysis
Administration
Fnul Control
Assistant Division Chief for
Production Management
Production Planning and
Analysis
Production and
Management Systems
Production Contract
Management
Assistant Onrruon Chief
for Research
Geog.iaph.cand
Cartographic Research
Technical Management
GeotocjK Division
Chief Geologist
Atsocute Chief Geologist
Aisistant Chief Geologist
for Program
Office of Scientific
Publications
Eastern Technical Reports
Central Technical Reports
western Technical Report!
Library and Information
Service*
Vnual Service*
Off ice of Energy and
Marine Geology
Branches
Coal Geology
Petroleum Geology
Sedimentary Procestet
Pacific Manne Geology
Atlantic Marine Geology
Office of Mineral Resource*
Alaskan Geology
Western Mineral Resources
Central Mineral fletourtei
Eastern Mineral Resource*
GecMhemittry
Geophyiic*
Resource Analysis
Field Centers
Eastern Mapping Reston VA
Mid Continent Mapping Rolla MO
Rocky Mountain Mapping • Denver. CO
Western Mapping Menlo Park. CA
EROSD3U SMUXFJUS SD
information Systems Division I
Chief
Aisociate Chief
Office of international
Geology
Office of Regional Geology
Blanche*
Eastern Regional Geology
Central Regional Geology
weuern Regional Geology
isotope Geology
Stratigraphy
Utrogeotogy
Off ice of Earthquakes.
Volcanoes and Engineering
and Geology
Seismology
GeologK Risk Assessment
Global Seismology and
Geomagnetism
igneous and Geothermal
Processes
Policy Planning and
Coordination Staff
I
1
Financial Manag*m«nt
Facilrtici »nd Managt m*nt
S«fvic*t
SyfMmi hUnjgcmtnt
••nonnfl
Procurement and Contract!
«„,.„,„„..« S
""'"
Figure 3-1. The U.S. Geological Survey is composed of five divisions.
-------
• Develops technology for remote sensing applications and
produces image maps from remotely sensed data to
satisfy user requirements.
• Develops and maintains a digital cartographic and geo-
graphic data base for multipurpose needs.
• Conducts research in mapping, geography, remote sen-
sing, and lithography.
• Provides information and technical assistance through
established centers and offices which gather, index, ana-
lyze, archive, and disseminate cartographic, geographic,
and remote sensing products and information.
• Coordinates Federal mapping, digital cartographic, and
remote sensing activities as designated by the Office of
Management and Budget Circular A-16 and other
documents.
• Represents the national interest through participation in
international mapping and training activities.
The Geological Survey is responsible for all functions, including staff support to the interdepartmental
Board on Geographic Names (BGN), that relate to domestic geographic names under P.L. 80-242. The Geo-
logical Survey compiles, publishes, and maintains the National Gazetteer of the United States of America
and has developed and manages the National Geographic Names Data Base.
3.2.1 Organizational Structure
The National Mapping Division, headquartered in Reston, Virginia, is organized into five primary offices: Pro-
gram, Budget and Administration; Coordination and Requirements; Production Management; Research; and
Information and Data Services (Figure 3-2). The cartographic products are generated by five regional map-
ping centers in Reston, Virginia; Rolla, Missouri; Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Denver, Colorado; and Menlo
Park, California. The Division also operates Earth Science Information Centers (ESIC) throughout the coun-
try. Appendices E and F provide more information on USGS offices, information sources, and publications.
Information on map products and services of the NMD can be obtained by calling 1-800-USA-MAPS (for the
Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, call 703-648-6045 or FTS:959-6045).
3.2.2 Programs and Activities
NMD is involved in five major activities: map production, digital cartographic data production, mapping
research, dissemination of map products and cartographic information, and coordination of Federal mapping
requirements. Through the National Mapping Program (NMP), the NMD provides the graphic, image, and
digital cartographic maps and their associated data. These products include several series of topographic
maps (graphic and digital), photo image maps, land use and land cover maps and data, geographic names
data, geodetic control data, and remotely sensed data. The USGS conducts the Federal agency canvass of
mapping needs in response to the OMB Circular A-16.
The National Mapping Program is dedicated to the production and revision of the 7.5-minute (1:24,000
scale) topographic maps for the conterminous United States and Hawaii, plus the 15-minute (1:63,360 scale)
topographic maps for Alaska. At the present, not all States have been completely mapped. However, a
schedule has been formalized to complete the effort by 1991.
The intermediate and small-scale mapping activities include the preparation of 1:50,000, 1:100,000, and
1:250,000 series maps. Of these maps, the small-scale map series at 1:250,000 has been completed and
has begun a cycle of revision. Completion of the 1:100,000 scale map series is scheduled for Fiscal Year
1995. The 1:50:000 scale map series is produced on an as-needed basis with the majority of requests
originating from the Defense Mapping Agency. The 1:50,000 and 1:100,000 scale maps series are also
produced on a cost-share basis in a county map format.
Base map production of digital data is in progress. Production is controlled to yield maps produced at
standard scales, accuracies, and with standard computer formats. The categories of data currently being
digitized at the 1:24,000 and 1:100,000 scales are the Public Land Survey System, boundaries, transporta-
tion, elevation data, and hydrography. Digitization at the 1:250,000 scale is being conducted for the following
3-4
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Office of the Division Chief
(MS 516)
1
Assistant Division Chief
for Program, Budget
and Administration
(MS 514)
Office of Budget and
Program Development
(MS 512)
Office of Strategic
Analysis
(MS 514)
Office of
Administration
(MS 518)
Office of
Fiscal Control
(MS 514)
Assistant Division Chief
for Coordination
and Requirements
(MS 590)
Office of
External Coordination
(MS 590)
Office of Information
- Resource Management
(MS 590)
Office of
- International Activities
(MS 515)
Eastern Mapping Center
National Center. MS 567
12201 Sunrise Valley Drive
Reston. VA 22092
Mid-Continent
Mapping Center
1400 Independence Road
Rolla. MO 65401
Assistant Division Chief
for Production
Management
(MS 511)
Office of Production
- Planning and Analysis
(MS 511)
Office of Production &
- Management Systems
(MS 511)
Office of Production
- Contract Management
(MSS11)
Rocky Mountain
Mapping Center
Stop 510. Box 25406
Denver Federal Center
Denver, CO 80225
Assistant Division Chief
for Information &
Data Services
(MS 508)
Earth Science
Information Office
(MS 509)
Office of Product
Distribution Policy
(MS 508)
Office of Publications
Liaison and Review
(MS SOB)
Western
Mapping Center
345 Middlefield Road
Menlo Park, CA 94025
Assistant Division Chief
for
Research
(MS 519)
Office of Geographic and
- Cartographic Research
(MS 521)
Office of Systems
Development
(MS 525)
Off ice of Technical
Management
(MS 510)
EROS
Data Center
Sioux Falls, SD 57198
Figure 3-2. This organizational chart shows the various offices within the National Mapping Division
of the U.S. Geological Survey. See Appendix C for USGS contacts.
-------
data categories: census tracts, land use and land cover, political boundaries, hydrologic units, and Federal
land ownership. Digital data are available from the National Digital Cartographic Data Base which contains
digital line graphs (DLGs) and digital elevation models (OEMs).
Photoimage maps are prepared by NMD from satellite sensors, radar, sonar, or other remote-sensing
image systems. Photoimage maps from NMD are primarily in the form of Landsat imagery or
orthophotoquads.
Cartographic research is focused on the application of various technologies for the generation of mapping
data and graphics to reproduce the geographic information. The NMD is currently working with other Federal
agencies for geographic information systems (GIS) technology development and applications.
3.2.3 Map Production
The production of maps is a primary function of NMD. During the last few decades there has been a dra-
matic increase in the Nation's need and uses for maps. This has increased the demand for more efficient
mapping operations. In response to this demand, the Department of the Interior, in 1975, modified,
extended, and restructured its National Topographic Program to better serve the basic cartographic data
needs of the country. This new program, the National Mapping Program, includes those activities necessary
to make available basic map data and a family of general purpose maps.
Multipurpose map-data categories, such as roads, buildings, topography, streams, lakes, boundaries, and
shorelines, are identified as base categories. Other map data of public value may also be incorporated into
the National Mapping Program as non-base categories. The non-base categories are developed and main-
tained by agencies and are made available under cooperative agreements through the National Mapping
Program's coordination and dissemination arrangements.
There is a wide variety of map products routinely generated by NMD (Figure 3-3). The best known are the
conventional topographic line maps of the 1:24,000-scale primary map series (in Alaska 1:63,360), the
intermediate-scale map series (1:50,000- and 1:100,000-scale maps), the 1:250,000-scale map series, the
1:500,000-scale State map series, and the 1:l,000,000-scale map series. The features shown on all of these
topographic maps are essentially the same. However, as the scale of the map decreases, for example from
a 1:24,000 to 1:100,000, it is necessary to omit or generalize some information. The following is a list of
some common features found on topographic maps:
• Boundaries—Includes political and administrative
subdivisions;
• Hydrography—Includes streams, rivers, springs, lakes,
ponds, marshes, and swamps;
• Public Land Survey System (PLSS)—Describes the rec-
tangular township and range system of land surveys that
form the framework for property boundaries in many
States;
• Transportation—Includes major transportation systems,
such as roads, railroads, transmission lines, and canals;
• Other Significant Man-made Structures—Includes build-
ings, water tanks, concrete dams, and airports;
• Hypsography—Contours and elevations that describe
topographic relief;
• Surface Cover—Describes vegetative surface cover, such
as woods, scrub, orchards, and vineyards;
• Non-Vegetative Surface Features—Includes lava, playas,
sand, and gravel features;
• Geographic Reference Systems—Information about the
points of established horizontal position and elevations
that are used as fixed references in positioning and cor-
relating map features; and
• Geographic Names—Place names such as villages,
towns, and cities, as well as other features including
streams, schools, hospitals, cemeteries, mountains, and
other landmarks.
3-6
-------
M
0
R
E
D
E
T
A
L
E
S
s
D
E
T
A
1:24,000-Scale (1 inch = 2,000 feet)
Area Shown = 0.6 square mile
Covers approximately 57 square miles and are used where
detailed land surface information is required. Used for
energy and mineral exploration, for natural resource and
water management, for agricultural and census area statis-
tics, for outdoor recreation activities, and for many engineer-
ing studies and surveys. Approximately 54,000 maps are
required to cover the conterminous U.S.
1:100,000-Scale (1 inch ~ 1.5 miles)
Area Shown = 10 square miles
Covers an area equal to 32 of the 1:24,000-scale maps from
which the content is derived. Maps are used for countywide
studies where less extensive detail is required. Used as a
multi-purpose base for displaying important farmlands,
wetlands, Federal la'nd ownership and subsurface mineral
rights, and for State and county management planning.
Approximately 1,800 maps are required to cover the conter-
minous U.S.
1:250,000-Scale (1 inch ~ 4 miles)
Area Shown = 72 square miles
Covers an area equal to 128 of the l:24,000-scale maps.
Maps are used for regional planning, water resource studies,
for civil defense and disaster relief coordination, and as
bases for air pollution, aeronautical charts, land-use, and
weather records. Approximately 450 maps are required to
cover the conterminous U.S.
1:500,000-Scale (1 inch ~ 8 miles)
Area Shown = 290 square miles
These maps generally cover a State and are used to plan
general studies, inventories and management activities; to
help in locating interstate utilities; to delineate drainage basin
boundaries and as a base to prepare State Highway and
other maps. They are available as a planimetric, topographic,
or shaded-relief edition.
Figure 3-3. A wide variety of maps are available through the National Mapping Division. Scales of the
maps differ depending on the amount of detail needed.
3-7
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1:24,000-Scale Maps. The best known topographic maps produced by the USGS are the conventional line
maps of the 7.5-minute, 1:24,000-scale topographic quadrangle series (Figure 3-4). National coverage of this
primary series is scheduled for the end of Fiscal Year 1990. A systematic effort is underway to revise this
map series. There are approximately 57,000 individual 7.5-minute quadrangle maps that cover the conter-
minous United States, Hawaii, Alaska, and the territories. [Maps of Alaska in this primary series are pub-
lished at 1:63,360 scale (1" = 1 mile).]
Intermediate-Scale Maps. The intermediate-scale map series includes topographic base maps at scales of
1:50,000 and 1:100,000 in quadrangle and county format (Figure 3-5). The National Mapping Division plans
to make available national coverage of 1:100,000-scale topographic editions by Fiscal Year 1995. Planimetric
editions are now available. All other map products in this series are produced under jointly funded
arrangements.
1:250,000-Scale Maps. The 1:250,000-scale series has been designated by the Board on Geographic
Names as the standard reference for geographic nomenclature in Government publications (Figure 3-6). Ele-
vation data, digitized from the contours on the 1:250,000-scale maps, are available on magnetic tape from
the National Earth Science Information Center (Section 3.2.6).
This map series was originally prepared as military editions by the U.S. Army Map Service [now Defense
Mapping Agency Hydrographic/Topographic Center (HTC)] during the 1950s; the series is now maintained by
the USGS. These topographic maps are published in quadrangles having dimensions of 1 degree latitude by
2 degrees longitude.
1:500,000-Scale. The 1:500,000-scale State map series is frequently published as planimetric and topo-
graphic base maps. The essential specifications for the State map series are: separate 1:500,000-scale
maps for each State, except for some combinations of more than one small State. State maps are published
in one sheet if possible. Alaska is the only State for which there is no 1:500,000-scale map. The Alaska
topographic State maps are published at scales of 1:1,584,000 (2 sheets) and 1:2,500,000.
United Stales 1:1,000,000-Scale Maps. The 1:1,000,000-scale topographic maps are available in two ser-
ies. The IMW series is the United States contribution to the International Map of the World (IMW). The other
series is based on a series of 1:1,000,000-scale maps compiled by the Army Map Service. In both series
published by the USGS, each map is numbered in accordance with the designation system adopted for the
IMW series and is named for one of the principal localities or natural features within its area. The maps are
derived from the latest 1:250,000-scale maps and other source material. Maps of the 1:1,000,000-scale ser-
ies have quadrangle dimensions of 4 degrees latitude by 6 degrees longitude (12 degrees longitude for
Alaska).
Special Maps. The USGS publishes a number of maps to meet special needs of Federal agencies and
Congress:
• The National Park Series of topographic maps, at various
scales, covers national parks, monuments, and historic
sites. The scales range from 1:960 to 1:250,000 and are
dependant on the size of the park.
• United States maps showing the entire Nation are pub-
lished at various scales ranging from a letter-size page
at 1:16,500,000 scale to large wall maps at a scale of
1:2,500,000.
• Separate sheets of selected thematic and general refer-
ence National Atlas maps are available from the USGS.
The content ranges from physiographic information to
environmental and economic trends. One set of maps
covers the United States in 21 sections at 1:2,000,000
scale; another details the 25 largest urban areas at
1:500,000 scale. Selected outlying areas are covered by
maps at scales of 1:1,000,000 and 1:250,000. Special-
subject maps at scales of 1:7,500,000,1:17,000,000, and
1:34,000,000 depict national characteristics such as relief,
geology, climate, water resources, discovery, exploration,
territorial growth, agriculture, minerals and mining,
manufacturing, trade, transportation, population, income,
education, counties, Standard Metropolitan Statistical
Areas (SMSAs), judicial districts, and congressional
districts.
-------
Figure 3-4. This is a portion of a 1:24,000-scale map of the Stafford, Virginia, area. It was produced
from a 7.5-minute quadrangle map and is typical of the topographic maps produced by the
USGS.
3-9
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• Antarctic maps are published at various scales ranging
from 1:250,000 scale to 1:2,188,800 scale. Various types
of maps are published such as topographic, topographic
reconnaissance, geologic reconnaissance, sketch, and
satellite maps.
Image Maps. Photoimage maps are available for some areas. These maps can be produced quickly, eco-
nomically, and accurately by modern "orthophoto" techniques (refer to Glossary and see Figure 3-7). Image
map products complement conventional line maps by providing an accurate base for interpreting and
documenting vegetative, geologic, and other physiographic features.
Land Use/Land Cover Maps. The USGS land use and land cover classification system has been devel-
oped to meet the needs of Federal and State agencies for an overview of land use and land cover (Figure
3-8). The classification includes categories such as urban or built-up land, agricultural land, rangeland, forest
land, water, wetland, barren land, tundra, and perennial snow or ice. The following land use and land cover
products are available:
• Land use and land cover maps for use with the
1:250,000-scale base maps and with selected
1:100,000-scale base maps.
• Associated maps showing political units (counties and
States), hydrologic units (drainage areas), and census
county subdivisions including census tracts.
• Magnetic tapes containing digital data obtained by digi-
tizing in polygon format the land use and land cover maps.
• Land use and land cover statistics by political units, hydro-
logic units, and census county subdivisions.
Knowledge about land use and land cover has become increasingly important as the Nation plans to over-
come the problems of haphazard, uncontrolled development, deteriorating environmental quality, loss of
prime agricultural lands, destruction of important wetlands, and loss of fish and wildlife habitat. Land use
data are needed in the analysis of environmental processes and problems which must be understood if living
conditions and standards are to be Improved or maintained at current levels. Therefore, land use maps may
have particular applicability to the EPA.
3.2.4 Digital Cartographic Data Production
The production of digital cartographic data is a second major activity of the NMD (Table 2-1). The average
topographic map contains over 100 million separate bits of information.
As 1:24,000-scale map digital coverage of the United States becomes available, the USGS is shifting its
emphasis to the maintenance of existing maps and to the development of automated capabilities for more
efficient map production and revision. Remotely sensed data, in digital form, is now being used in the auto-
mation process (see cover). In digital form, cartographic information can be updated more easily from reli-
able sources, permitting current graphic production on a timely basis. Moreover, the data can be used with
thematic data in geographic information systems to automate many spatial analyses.
In 1980, the National Digital Cartographic Data Base (NDCDB) was formally established with the objective
of providing users with digital cartographic data from USGS topographic maps. Components have been
added to the data base, including line and elevation data from other map series, land use and land cover
maps, and geographic names data. An index and complete ordering information for digital data are available
from the Earth Science Information Center (Appendix D). Two examples of available digital data are as
follows:
• Digital Line Graphs (DLGs) are digital files consisting of
planimetric or linear information about one class of map
information, such as hydrography. The following cate-
gories of DLGs are being collected from 1:24,000- and
1:100,000-scale maps: Public Land Survey System,
boundary, hydrography, contour, and transportation fea-
tures. Transportation and hydrography DLGs are available
3-10
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\^_1
K
in
/--<>»
-- /s=i '
Northw«»t Cape- - f^-
FORT ROSS* •(
STATE HISTORIC PARK*,]
^v
Figure 3-5. This is a portion of a 1:100,000-scale topographic map of Sonoma County, California. It is
one of the first maps in a new USGS county series at scales of 1:100,000 or 1:50,000. The
maps are formatted on county boundaries rather than parallels or meridians.
3-11
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for the 1:100,000-scale map series. Boundary, hydro-
graphy, and transportation features from the
1:2,000,000-scale sectional maps of the National Atlas of
the United States of America are also available in digital
form for the entire United States.
• Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) are digital files of terrain
elevations for ground positions at regularly spaced
horizontal intervals. Digital elevation data are available in
blocks that correspond to 7.5-minute topographic quad-
rangle maps. The ground distance between each pair of
digitized elevation points is 30 meters. The data base also
includes digital elevation data of the United States from
contour plates digitized from the 1-degree by 2-degree
(1:250,000-scale) map series. Those data are collected at
a ground distance interval of 3 arc-seconds (approximately
100 meters between each pair of digitized elevation
points).
The National Digital Cartographic Data Base also contains digital data from land use and land cover as
well as associated maps and information on U.S. geographic names. The land use and land cover data are
derived from thematic overlays registered to 1:250,000- and 1:100,000-scale base maps. Land use and land
cover maps provide information on urban or built-up land, agricultural land, rangeland, forest land, water,
wetland, barren land, tundra, and perennial snow or ice. The associated maps display information on politi-
cal units, hydrologic units, Federal land ownership, and census county subdivisions. The geographic names
data are contained in a computerized file of more than two million place names in the United States—from
towns, schools, reservoirs, and parks to streams, valleys, springs, and ridges.
In addition to the National Digital Cartographic Data Base, the USGS maintains spatial, earth science data
at the Earth Resources Observation Systems (EROS) Data Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Two exam-
ples of data bases maintained at the EROS Data Center are as follow:
• Digital earth science data collected by the National Ura-
nium Resources Evaluation (NURE) Program of the U.S.
Department of Energy. Earth sciences research in the
NURE Program included geochemical and stream-sedi-
ment reconnaissance sampling, coordinated rock sam-
pling and analyses, airborne radiometric and magnetic
surveys, geologic mapping and ore deposit studies, sub-
surface geologic investigations (borehole drilling), technol-
ogy application studies, development of resource
estimation methodologies, and uranium resource evalu-
ations incorporating research results. Several years of
data collection generated substantial geologic, geophysi-
cal, and geochemical data that can be used in other earth
science research. Nearly all data from the NURE Program
are organized and retrievable by reference to a rectangu-
lar grid system that corresponds to the 1:250,000-scale
topographic quadrangle system used by the USGS.
• Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR)
satellite data. Limited quantities of geographically refer-
enced AVHRR data for the conterminous United States,
needed to support Federal earth science research and
land management programs, are routinely available within
24 hours of a satellite overpass. A few obvious land
science applications include image mapping, rainfall dis-
tribution monitoring, and vegetation monitoring.
3-12
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Figure 3-6. This is a portion of a 1:250,000-scale map of the Stafford, Virginia, area. Note the differ-
ence in detail between this map and Figure 3-4.
3-13
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COOPER CITY, FLORIDA
ORTHOPHOTOQUAD
February 1973
July 1980
Figure 3-7. Image maps, such as these orthophotoquads of Cooper City, Florida, are useful in dis-
cerning land use changes over time.
3-14
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86fl2'30"
PARTIAL CODE LISTING
EXPLANATION
Single family
Retail trade
Primary processing
Fabrication
Extraction facilities
Highways
Airports
Communications
Utilities
Waste dumps
Urban undeveloped
Cropland
Pastureland
Nurseries and floriculture
Farmsteads
10-30 percent crown cover,
deciduous
30-70 percent crown cover,
deciduous
>70 percent crown cover,
deciduous
>70 percent crown cover,
evergreen
10-30 percent crown cover, mixed
Streams
Lakes
Water-filled quarries
Mudflats
Sand and gravel pits (active)
8i?12'30
Figure 3-8. This prototype map shows a Level III land use and land cover in part of the Maywood,
Indiana, 7.5-minute quadrangle base map.
3-15
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3.2.5 Mapping Research
A third major activity of NMD is mapping research. Some of the innovative programs with which the Division
is involved are the following:
• Development of automated methods to generate map
products from data stored in the National Digital Carto-
graphic Data Base discussed earlier (Section 3.2.4). The
development of such methods will lead to more flexible,
efficient, economical, and accurate mapping.
• Improving exchange of data among varying digital carto-
graphic and thematic data bases, improving the capabili-
ties of existing geographic information systems (GIS) to
input, store, and analyze spatial data, and demonstrating
new and improved applications of GIS technology.
• Adoption of a new geodetic surveying system that is
expected to replace existing methods. The Global Posi-
tioning System (GPS) was designed by the U.S. Depart-
ment of Defense to provide a continuous, worldwide
navigation capability. The system will comprise 18 Earth-
orbiting satellites, a network of ground-control stations to
monitor and update the satellite orbits, and user equip-
ment to determine the user's position in three dimensions.
The Global Positioning System can be used for real-time
navigation or for precise surveying.
3.2.6 Dissemination of Map Products and Cartographic Information
The Earth Science Information Center (ESIC), managed by NMD, provides a national information service to
make cartographic data of the United States more easily accessible to the public and to various Federal,
State, and local agencies. At present, more than 30 Federal agencies collect and prepare cartographic data
(Appendix E). ESIC does not obtain cartographic data from present holders; rather it collects and organizes
descriptive information about that data, provides location, ensures availability, and provides ordering assis-
tance. ESIC services include the following:
• The ESIC Map and Chart Information System and Carto-
graphic Catalog System are computer-based and
microfilm-supported systems, which contain detailed infor-
mation on all topographic map series of the National Map-
ping Program, as well as other major map series such as
the Federal Highway Administration's County and
Metropolitan Highway Series.
• The Aerial Photography Summary Record System
(APSRS) was developed by NCIC to provide information
on aerial photography. It catalogs the planned, in-
progress, and completed aerial photographic missions in
the United States so that informed decisions on photo-
graph acquisition can be made. Moreover, it provides a
reference for learning about the availability of aerial photo-
graphs, both current and historical.
ESIC provides different levels of service for the various types of cartographic data. For general purpose
data (topographic maps and aerial photographs) the objective is to provide complete service, including the
identification of specific products and assistance in ordering these products. On the other hand, only general
information and referral service are provided for special purpose cartographic data. The types of car-
tographic data for which ESIC offers assistance are listed in Table 3-1.
3-16
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Table 3-1. Summary of Cartographic Data and Map Information Available From Earth
Science Information Center (ESIC)
Multluse maps and charts including:
Aeronautical charts
Bathymetric maps
City maps
Extraterrestrial maps
Flood-plain maps
Forest maps
Geologic maps
Highway maps
Land use and land cover maps
Map and chart features
Nautical charts
Orthophotomaps and orthophotoquads
River surveys and damsite maps
Slope maps
Soil maps
Topographic maps
U.S. maps
World maps
Survey data including:
First- and second-order control from any source
Third-order control from any source that is useful
Selected fourth-order control
Photogrammetrically derived control
Selected private control
Land plats
Census subdivisions
Aerial and space imagery from Federal, State, and private sources including:
Photographs
Satellite computer-compatible tapes
Photomosaics
Other remote-sensor data
Closely related data such as:
Cartographic educational materials, atlases, gazetteers, and other related literature
Digital data representing detail on maps and charts
Geographic names
3.2.7 Coordination of Federal Mapping Requirements
OMB Circular A-16, originally issued by the Bureau of the Budget on January 16, 1953, and revised May 6,
1967, appoints the Department of the Interior (delegated to the U.S. Geological Survey) to exercise "govern-
ment wide leadership in assuring coordinated planning and execution" of cartographic activities that are
funded in whole or in part with Federal funds. This coordination activity is to be accomplished within the
capacity and capabilities of the USGS National Mapping Program.
The primary purpose is to minimize duplication of effort and costly single-purpose mapping activities
among Federal agencies. The A-16 process helps the NMD identify the geographic areas where specific
types of maps and cartographic data are needed, and provides the NMD with a better understanding of
other agencies' program needs. Through this process, NMD can more effectively plan its mapping programs
to support other Federal agency needs.
In the second quarter of each fiscal year NMD solicits cartographic and geographic data requirements for
the ensuing fiscal year from nearly 40 Federal agencies. The solicitation package contains general informa-
tion about the National Mapping Program, instructions for submitting requirements, and program status
indexes for mapping and digital data products.
Implementation of the A-16 process is between headquarters personnel at the participating Federal agency
and the NMD. Regional Offices of each agency participate in the identification and ranking of their mapping
3-17
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needs through their headquarters' offices. Regional offices are encouraged, however, to contact regional
facilities of the NMD (Appendix D) to obtain existing map products.
OMB (on April 4,1983) additionally assigns the Department of the Interior (delegated to the USGS) the
chairmanship of the Federal Interagency Coordinating Committee on Digital Cartography (FICCDC) "to
improve the use of digital cartographic base data within the Federal Government and to provide a framework
for its proper management...." This memorandum was renewed on March 18, 1986. Coordination of digital
cartographic data is accepted as an integral part of the OMB Circular A-16 process.
EPA has formally responded to USGS through the A-16 process to request USGS mapping products for
the first time in 1989. Materials prepared by OIRM were submitted to USGS.
3.3 Geologic Division
The Geologic Division (GD) conducts a broad spectrum of earth science investigations of onshore and off-
shore areas of the United States and its territories and Exclusive Economic Zone (U.S. Geological Survey,
1986b). These investigations are designed to (1) determine the geologic framework of the Nation and the
geologic processes that shaped that framework; (2) assess the energy and mineral resources of the Nation;
(3) establish the geologic factors that bear on the use and environmental quality of the land and offshore
areas; and (4) understand the nature and impacts of geologic hazards such as earthquakes, volcanic erup-
tions, and landslides, and evaluate geologic constraints on hazard mitigation. GD carries out these respon-
sibilities by activities that include the following:
• Geologic, geophysical, and geochemical mapping to
determine the composition and structure of rocks at and
beneath the Earth's surface;
• Investigations of geologic processes, including specialized
research in many earth science disciplines, to provide a
basic research foundation for GD's applied research
missions;
• Development of new exploration and assessment tech-
niques to aid in the increasingly difficult search for new
sources of energy and mineral commodities;
• Collation and synthesis of geologic information on energy
and mineral resources to develop a comprehensive back-
ground of knowledge upon which to base resource and
resource-potential assessments; and
• Operation of seismological networks and geomagnetic and
volcano observatories to monitor and aid in understand-
ing geologic processes and events that have a potential
for risk to life and property.
3.3.1 Organizational Structure
The headquarters office of GD is located in Reston, Virginia, and consists of the Office of the Chief Geol-
ogist and six subordinate offices (Figure 3-9):
Earthquakes, Volcanoes, and Engineering;
Regional Geology;
Mineral Resources;
Energy and Marine Geology;
International Geology; and
Scientific Publications.
Assistant Chief Geologists for the Eastern, Central, and Western Regions act for the Chief Geologist in
carrying out general objectives, policies, and procedures for the Division within their region. Project opera-
tions are conducted by personnel located principally at regional centers in Reston, Virginia; Denver,
Colorado; and Menlo Park, California; at field centers in Flagstaff and Tucson, Arizona; Albuquerque,
New Mexico; Spokane, Washington; Reno, Nevada; Anchorage, Alaska; Woods Hole, Massachusetts and
St. Petersburg, Florida; and at Volcano Observatories in Hawaiian Volcano National Park, Hawaii and
Vancover, Washington (Appendix C).
3-18
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Office of the Chief Geologist
Chiel Geologist
Associate Chief Geologist
Assistant Chief Geologist for Program
Assistant Chief Geologist. Eastern Region
Assistant Chief Geologist. Central Region
Assistant Chief Geologist. Western Region
Office of Mineral Resources
Branch of
Alaikan Geology
Western Mineral Resources
Central Mineral Resources
Eastern Mineral Resources
Geophysics
Geochemistry
Resource Analysis
Office of Scientific Publications
Branch of
Eastern Technical Reports
Central Technical Reports
Western Technical Reports
Library and Information Services
Vnual Services
Office of International Geology
European Geology
Latin American Geology
Middle Eastern and African Geology
Asian and Pacific Geology
Polar Programs
Office of Regional Geology
Branch of
Western Regional Geology
Central Regional Geology
Eastern Regional Geology
Isotope Geology
Paleontology and Stratigraphy
Astrogeology
Office of Energy and Marine Geology
Branch of
Coal Geology
Petroleum Geology
Sedimentary Processes
Pacific Marine Geology
Atlantic Marine Geology
Office of Earthquakes, Volcanoes,
and Engineering
Branch of
Tectonophysics
Engineering Seismology and Geology
Seismology
Geologic Risk Assessment
Global Seismology and Geomagnetism
Igneous and Geothermal Processes
Figure 3-9. The U.S. Geological Survey's Geologic Division consists of the Office of the Chief
Geologist and six subordinate offices.
3.3.2 Mapping and Research Programs and Products
The GD conducts a variety of earth science mapping activities that identify the distribution, composition, and
structure of geologic materials and geologic environments, and that provide a framework for interpretive
investigations. The various activities can be grouped into four major categories: geologic mapping, geochem-
ical mapping, geophysical mapping, and offshore mapping. Each of these mapping techniques provides a
unique method of describing and interpreting earth materials. When used in combination, the mapping tech-
niques provide a powerful analytical package for portraying the surface and subsurface geologic structure
and composition of an area.
3.3.2.1 Geologic Mapping: National Geologic Mapping Program
Research Strategy. The long-term objective of the National Geologic Mapping (NGM) Program is to deter-
mine the geologic framework and composition of the Nation through expansion of the national geologic map
data base. The Program achieves its objective through basic research investigations that combine general
purpose geologic mapping with a variety of special purpose research studies. The map products and topical
reports provide information about the distribution, age, structural and stratigraphic setting, isotopic signature,
and geologic history of earth materials that occur in areas determined to be of critical importance to the eco-
nomic, social, and scientific welfare of the Nation.
3.3.2.1.1 Product Description. A geologic map is a graphical information display that uses a combination
of colors, lines, and symbols to depict the geologic setting of an area and to interpret the events which
shaped that setting (Figure 3-10). The graphical display not only describes the bedrock and surficial units
visible at the Earth's surface, but forms a three-dimensional model that predicts the configuration of rock
3-19
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GEOLOGIC MAPS: PRIMARY DATA BASE
FOR THE EARTH SCIENCES
Water-bearing
Sandstone
Petroleum-bearing
Sandstone
SUPPORT RESEARCH
AND DECISION BY:
• GOVERNMENT
• INDUSTRY
• ACADEMIA
IDENTIFY GEOLOGIC
HAZARDS:
EARTHQUAKE FAULTS
LANDSLIDES
LAND SUBSIDENCE
RADON
VOLCANOES
LOCATE NATURAL
RESOURCES:
FACILITATE LAND-USE
PLANNING:
• CRITICAL
FACILITIES
• HAZARDOUS-WASTE
REPOSITORIES
• URBAN
DEVELOPMENT
Figure 3-10. To illustrate the diverse applications of mapping, this figure shows four schematic geo-
logic quadrangle maps combined Into a mosaic. The geologic cross section at the bot-
tom of the mosaic shows subsurface relations along a transect parallel to the bottom of
the map. A geologic map also serves as the base for geochemical and geophysical
maps.
3-20
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bodies and geologic structures in the subsurface. This combination of descriptive and predictive information
makes a geologic map a powerful research tool for understanding the earth's composition and structure,
internal and external processes, and history.
The standard geologic map is a general purpose product that is useful to a broad range of applications.
This versatility stems from the requirements of a general purpose map: it must convey essential information
about all aspects of the geologic setting, not just one or a few aspects. For a prescribed area, a general pur-
pose map can identify many different bedrock formations such as granite, limestone, sandstone, or shale
and their altered or mineralized equivalents (Figure 3-11); different kinds of surficial units such as soils,
landslides, and sediment deposited by streams, wind, and glaciers (Figure 3-12); and different kinds of geo-
logic structures such as folds, faults, and fractures. A general purpose geologic map thus provides a single
comprehensive record of a diverse suite of geologic features.
3.3.2.1.2 Product Uses. Because of its versatility, a geologic map is the primary data base for derivative
special purpose investigations that focus on specific geologic features, processes, or applications. The geo-
logic map serves as a starting point for many different earth science specialists, including:
• Environmental specialists concerned with the distribution
and origin of geologic materials known to host radon,
selenium, asbestos, and other naturally occurring toxic
substances that may pose a threat to human health.
• Environmental specialists concerned with inland, near-
shore marine, and coastal wetlands.
• Engineers requiring information about the distribution and
geologic relations of rock units targeted or utilized as host
media for nuclear or toxic waste repositories.
• Seismic-safety specialists requiring information concern-
ing active faults and geologic hazards caused by
earthquake-induced ground shaking (Figure 3-13).
• Mineral-resource specialists concerned with the origin and
distribution of geologic units known or suspected to host
metallic and nonmetallic mineral resources.
• Land-use planners charged with the safe siting of public
facilities and transportation and utilities corridors and the
development of multiple-use lands that must accommo-
date recreational, agricultural, residential, industrial, and
conservation needs.
• Engineers concerned with the geotechnical character of
geologic materials where highways, tunnels, over- and
under-crossings, subgrade utilities, and reservoirs are
planned.
• Hydrologists concerned with the discovery, utilization, and
protection of ground-water resources and their quality.
• Agronomists and soil scientists concerned with soil
management research that bears on crop production and
soil conservation.
• Energy-resource specialists concerned with the origin and
distribution of geologic materials known to host energy
resources.
• Slope-failure specialists concerned about landslides and
hillslope creep (Figure 3-14).
• Earth scientists conducting basic research on the Earth's
composition and structure, internal and external
processes, and history.
3.3.2.1.3 Product Scales. Geologic mapping is conducted at scales that depend on the complexity of the
geologic setting and the objectives of the mapping activity (Figure 3-15). The National Geologic Mapping
Program produces geologic maps at three different scale categories:
3-21
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Explanation of Symbols
Contact—Approximately
located. Contacts of
Pennsylvanian through
Cretaceous formations
are solid where
exposed, dashed where
not exposed, dotted
where concealed by
younger units
Boundary of block-glide
landslide—Dashed
where approximately
located. Glide mass is
stippled
Fault or fracture zone-
Showing dip and bear-
ing and plunge of slick-
ensides where known.
Dashed where approxi-
mately located; dotted
where concealed; quer-
ied where uncertain. M,
locality where fault zone
contains mylonite; B,
locality where fault zone
contains breccia
Folds—Showing approxi-
mate trace of axial sur-
face, and bearing of
plunge of hinge lines
where known. Dashed
where inferred; dot-
dashed where projected
through younger pegma-
tite; dotted where con-
cealed. Form of folds,
which may change
along trace, shown by
following symbols
Anticline
Antlform
Description of Map Units
•• Fort Hays Limestone
Member—Light-gray, thick-
bedded micrite. Abundant
Inoceramus and Pseu-
doperna congesta. About
^^ 15 ft (5 m) thick
•• Carli Shale, Greenhorn
Limestone, and
Graneros Shale (Upper
Cretaceous) and
Mowry Shale (Lower
Cretaceous)—Total
thickness about 495 ft
(151 m). Units cannot be
separately mapped due
to poor exposure
Carlile Shale—Olive-gray
silty claystone and
sandy siltstone. About
75 ft (23 m) thick
Greenhorn Limestone—
Interlayered dark-gray
limestone and olive-gray
calcareous silty
claystone and siltstone.
About 250 ft (76 m)
thick
Graneros Shale—Dark-gray
to grayish-black siltstone
and claystone. About
150 ft (46 m) thick
Mowry Shale—Siliceous,
white-weathering shale.
About 20 ft (6 m) thick
Dakota Group (Lower Cre-
taceous)—Subdivisions
of the Dakota are those
defined by Waage
(1955). Shown as group
on cross sections only.
Total thickness about
290 ft (88 m)
South Platte Formation-
Consists of the following
members:
First sandstone
member—Gray to tan,
well-sorted, fine- to
medium-grained sand-
stone. Basal contact
interpreted as an uncon-
formity by Waage (1955,
p. 39). About 25 ft (8 m)
thick
Middle shale member
and Plalnview Sand-
stone Member,
undivided—The middle
shale is dark-gray carbo-
naceous shale, thin,
bentonite, and thin gray
siltstone and sandstone
beds. The underlying
Plainview is gray to tan,
thin-bedded, fine-
grained carbonaceous
sandstone. Total thick-
ness of combined unit is
about 185 ft (56 m)
Lytle Formation—Gray to
tan, coarse-grained to
conglomeratic sand-
stone and blocky-
weathering, varicolored
non-carbonaceous mud-
stone. About 80 ft (24
m) thick
Morrison Formation (Upper
Jurassic)—Green, red,
yellow and white,
blocky-weathering
claystone and siltstone,
and inter bedded gray
micrite and gray, fine- to
medium-grained sand-
stone. About 320 ft
98 m) thick
Sundance Formation
(Upper and Middle
Jurassic and Jelm For-
mation (Upper Trias-
sic), undivided-
Mapped unit consists of
the Sundance and Jelm
Formations (Pipiringos
and O'Sullivan. 1976),
which have a combined
thickness of 152 ft (46
m) at north edge of
quadrangle and 197 ft
(60 m) at south edge.
Correlation of Map Units
3-22
-------
SCALE 1:24,000
0
1 Mile
Contour Interval 40 Feet
Dotted Lines Represent 20-Foot Contours
National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929
Bar Scale
Cross Section
Figure 3-11. This geologic map of Laporte Quadrangle, Larimer County, Colorado (Map GQ-1621,
1:24,000) Is an example of a general purpose map that provides a detailed background
framework. The subject area is underlain primarily by bedrock geologic materials, but
with local deposits of surficial materials. The major geologic units are a sequence of
north-south trending nonmarine and marine sedimentary rocks (units PPf through Kpl)
that rest depositionally on an older terrane of granitic and metamorphic rocks (units Ysp
through Yxr and units Xbc through Xcg). An east-west oriented geologic cross section
interprets subsurface relations among these units and explanatory material identifies
their physical characteristics and age as well as the meaning of lines, symbols, and
colors.
3-23
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Explanation of Symbols
— 20 —
-500-
BH 247
1.800 B.P
2.400 B.P
Contact—Long dashes
where approximately
located; short dashes
where inferred
Lineament—Axis of major
linear feature on the
Sandwich moraine. These
features include push
ridges where ice overrode
the outwash plains,
accumulations of drift
marking former positions
of the ice front, and ice-
channel fillings
Area of small festoon-
shaped parallel ridges—
Possibly marking former
positions of the ice front
on the Sandwich moraine
Lineament formed by dune
crests on Sandy Neck
Contour showing the inferred
pre-collapse and pre-
erosion outwash plain
surface—Datum is mean
sea level
Contour showing the alti-
tude, in feet below sea
level, of the buried bed-
rock surface—Datum is
mean sea level
Location of boreholes
described in table 3
Shoreline of Sandy Neck at
various stages in its
development—Numbers
indicate years before pres-
ent. From Redfield (1965,
p. 53)
Seismic station described in
table 1
Exposure or auger hole
Pit—Extent of large pits;
shown by hachures—
Letter symbols on map
and in table 3 show tex-
ture of deposits: s, sand;
vfs, very fine sand; fe, fine
sand; ms, medium sand;
cs, coarse sand; vcs, very
coarse sand; g, gravel; pg,
pebble gravel; eg, cobble
gravel; bg, boulder gravel;
p, pebbles; c, cobbles; b,
boulders; si, silt; c/, clay, f,
till. Superposition of sym-
bols indicates section,
comma reads "and",
hyphen reads "to."
Description of Map Units
mm STORM-BEACH DEPOSITS
(HOLOCENE)—Sand to
small boulders (about 1 ft
maximum dimension) in
the bottom of storm
sluices and as overwash
fans. The storm sluice
(Howard, 1939, p. 405), a
flat-floored depression
underlain by gravelly
sand, near the east end of
Sandy Neck was probably
cut in the dunes during a
major northeast storm.
Planar, current, and del-
taic bedding common.
Beds generally an inch to
several inches thick.
omd MARINE DEPOSITS (HOLO-
CENE)—Sand, gravel, silt,
and clay deposited off-
shore by waves and cur-
rents. Shown only on
cross section.
on LAKE-SHORE DEPOSITS
(HOLOCENE AND
PLEISTOCENE)—Formed
along the shores of ponds
and lakes, includes
beaches and small spits
composed of well-sorted
sand and gravel, bag
deposits composed mostly
of pebble to cobble gravel
as a result of wave win-
nowing of the glacial
deposits, and levee-
shaped ridges 1 to 2 ft
high composed of poorly
sorted sand and gravel
pushed up by expanding
lake ice
<* MARSH AND SWAMP
DEPOSITS (HOLOCENE
AND PLEISTOCENE)—
Mostly decaying marine-
marsh plants mixed with
varying amounts of sand,
silt, and day. Underlain by
glacial deposits, by marine
sand, silt, and clay, or by
fresh-water pond and peat
deposits; locally overlain
by dune and beach
deposits. Capped by live
marine marsh plants.
Includes lesser amounts of
fresh-water swamp and
marsh deposits
VALLEY-FLOOR DEPOSITS
(HOLOCENE AND
PLEISTOCENE)—
Sediments deposited in
the floors of valleys (fur-
rows) cut into the outwash
plains. Mostly gravelly
sand and pebble to small-
boulder gravel
YOUNGER GLACIAL-LAKE
AND ICE-CONTACT
DEPOSITS (PLEISTO-
CENE)—Associated
with a proglacial lake in
Cape Cod Bay. Mostly a
discontinuous veneer of
clay and silt (Barnstable
Series of Shaler, 1898)
over ice-contact deposits
composed of gravelly
sand, gravel, till, and large
boulders (a few tens of
feet maximum dimension).
Silt and clay massive to
laminated, locally
deformed. Sand and
gravel planar and current
bedded. Beds a foot to a
few feet thick.
Correlation of Map Units
QUATERNARY
3-24
-------
Qb
-
'
Q»
l*l*nd
.»tTh«tcr
-\
t Uttl« Thatch ,
(•land
-.Island
.
'
^
Green
Pi
'•Mois«l
Town -<^_Pt
Mtend
T«f«l Fl»t
.*
^
BARXSTABLE
HO*t*SrX>*
Moan
.
'
1
. -
SCALE 1:24,000
0
Contour Interval 10 Feet
Datum is Mean Sea Level
Depth Curves and Soundings in Feet-Datum is Mean Low Water
Shoreline Shown Represents the Approximate Line of Mean High Water
Bar Scale
«" 3
1
-------
• Detailed scale (1:24,000 to 1:62,500). Most of the geo-
logic maps generated by the NGMP are produced at
detailed scale because (1) this scale is appropriate for por-
traying the essential features of most geologic settings and
(2) it is the scale of choice for most map users who require
maps for land-use planning, environmental review,
resource exploration and assessment, and geohazard
evaluation (National Research Council, 1988). Detailed-
scale maps are appropriate for most site-specific appli-
cations that require a background framework (Figure 3-15).
The NGM Program generally does not produce geologic
map products for areas smaller than the standard 7.5 min-
ute quadrangle or at scales more detailed than 1:24,000.
• Intermediate scale (1:100,000). The NGM Program
generates intermediate-scale maps in order (1) to synthe-
size the geologic framework of moderately large regions
and (2) to display the geologic features of areas or regions
whose relatively simple geologic architecture does not
require a more detailed treatment. Intermediate-scale
maps are useful to regional land-use planning or resource-
assessment evaluations that require a relatively detailed
but regionally comprehensive survey of the geologic
setting.
• Regional-scale (1:250,000 or smaller). The NGM Pro-
gram produces regional-scale maps in order to synthesize
the geologic framework of very large regions. Regional-
scale maps generally are not appropriate for the site-
specific requirements of most geologic map users and the
NGM Program does not emphasize this map product.
3.3.2.1.4 Production Requirements. The production time for a typical 1:24,000-scale geologic map gener-
ated by the NGM Program depends on the area's geologic complexity, but typically involves 1 to 1.5 years
of field and laboratory effort culminating in preliminary release of the geologic map information. Production
steps include (1) field acquisition of point, line, and polygon data; (2) acquisition of appropriate specialized
data sets (geochronolpgy, geochemistry, geophysics, paleontology, pedogenic-soil analysis, geomorphology)
required to augment field data; (3) compilation of the geologic map data set and integrating it with special-
ized data sets; (4) scientific peer review and editorial review to ensure compliance with scientific and techni-
cal map standards; and (5) cartographic production and assembly of all the graphical elements that are
combined to create the geologic map.
Final production of a colored map product released through the formal USGS thematic-map series can
take several years. Therefore, many maps produced by the NGM Program are released as preliminary black-
and-white maps distributed on demand through the USGS Open-File Services process. Even if digital map-
production methods are employed, 1 to 1.5 years are to be expected for a production cycle that results in
Open-file release of preliminary geologic map information.
3.3.2.1.5 Product Format. The USGS publishes geologic map information in a variety of paper-map series
(Tables 3-2 and 3-3). These products are available for inspection in USGS public-inquiries offices or in earth
science libraries in universities, State geological surveys, and the USGS regional centers. Map products can
be purchased or otherwise obtained through the channels identified in Appendix D.
To date, all geologic maps produced by the USGS have been released in conventional paper form. The
USGS presently does not have a formal publication mechanism for releasing geologic map information in
digital form, although digital methods increasingly are being used to produce geologic maps. The NGM Pro-
gram is developing digital map production methods that ultimately will generate digital geologic map data
files for release to the user community. The goal of this activity is the creation and maintenance of a
national digital geologic map data base comparable to National Mapping Division's National Digital Carto-
graphic Data Base.
3-26
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EASTERN UNITED STATES EARTHQUAKES
(1534-1984)
New Orleans •
Houston
NEW MADRID, g^—
MO, 1811-12 "
/ •« 1 ,- V
^-- _ii ?. /in,
/ >*>t • f 1
j. Dallas' f=^—i
BLUE MOUNTAIN
LAKE, NY, 1983
CAPE ANN, MA, 1755
BOSTON
WILKES-BARRE. PA, 1954
NEW YORK CITY, NY, 1884
LANCASTER, PA 1984
ANNA, OH, 1937
GILES COUNTY, VA, 1897
CHARLESTON, SC, 1886
LEGEND
Intensity Epicenter
• I-IV V
• V-VI
e VII-IX
• X-XII
Figure 3-13. Identifying earthquakes that occurred in the eastern United States (1534-1984) is an
example of data that can be used in combination with a general purpose geologic map to
evaluate the potential for earthquakes and their recurrence.
A database of geologic maps, titled "GEOINDEX", is maintained by CD's Office of Scientific Publications.
The GEOINDEX file comprises approximately 20,000 entries and identifies by title, author, latitude/longitude
coordinates, and a number of other attributes all GO, I, and MF maps produced by the USGS, as well as
geologic maps published by State geological surveys and professional geoscience journals and societies
(Table 3-2). The GEOINDEX file is complete through 1988 and an up-to-date nationwide summary is avail-
able in digital form. The GEOINDEX file has also been published on a State-by-State basis over the past
15 years as Geologic Map Indexes (GMIs). The GD's Office of Scientific Publications has released
GEOINDEX with search and retrieval software available from Online Computer Library Center, Inc. (OCLC) in
Dublin, Ohio, on a CD-ROM disk labeled "Earth Sciences."
3.3.2.1.6 Planning for Future Products. Long-term planning for the NGM Program is guided by two factors:
(1) prioritized national need for geologic map information and (2) prioritized scientific problems that require
geologic mapping. National need is determined by an examination of the user community (e.g., EPA); scien-
tific need is determined by an inward look at the USGS mission and need for geologic mapping.
• National need. The NGM Program identifies national need
as the prioritized geologic map requirements of the broad
3-27
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LANDSLIDE POTENTIAL IN THE
UNITED STATES
Figure 3-14. This view of the landslide potential in the United States is an example of a special pur-
pose geologic map. It is based on information derived from general purpose geologic
maps.
map-user community including information users in Fed-
eral and State agencies, academia, and the private sec-
tor. The need for basic geologic maps can be
characterized as "national" in scope if (1) the maps will
address multiple overlapping needs or (2) the maps
address a single need that is compelling because of its
impact on the economic, environmental, or resource
requirements of the Nation. The NGM Program's outreach
to EPA is part of a broader effort involving numerous Fed-
eral agencies. EPA's geologic map requirements will be
considered together with those from the broad user com-
munity to determine the NGM Program's long-term
national need.
Scientific need. The NGMP identifies scientific need as
critical earth science problems whose solutions transcend
the boundaries of the local project area and thereby con-
tribute to the understanding of rocks or processes else-
where in the Nation thereby fulfilling GD mission goals.
3-28
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GEOLOGIC MAPPING AT DIFFERENT SCALES
400 miles
1:2,500,000 1 Mil* - 1/40 Inch
1:250,000
40 miles
4 miles
1 Mile=1/4 Inch
1:24,000
1 Mile-2.6 I
Global synthesis
• Continental-scale geologic
structures
• Gross distribution of rock units
Regional synthesis
Major geologic structures
General distribution of rock units
Regional exploration targets
Regional resource assessments
Data source for basic and
applied research
Detailed geologic structures
Specific distribution of rock
units
Specific exploration targets
Site-specific property evaluations
Site-specific land-use planning
Evaluate natural hazards
Show types and distribution of
surficial materials
•
Figure 3-15. Geologic mapping is conducted at varying scales depending on the compexity of the
geology and the intended use (site-specific evaluations versus regional planning).
From left to right, the scale of each geologic map is more detailed, culminating in a
1:24,000-scale map that is typically produced by the National Geologic Mapping Program.
The level of scientific need can be measured by the ben-
efit gained from transferring geoscience information from
a local area throughout an entire region.
3.3.2.2 Geochemical Mapping
GD performs geochemical sampling and geochemical mapping in support of two programs: (1) mineral
resource exploration and assessment and (2) environmental geochemistry. The purpose of geochemical
maps for both mission requirements is
• To provide a statistically reliable geochemical baseline
(background) against which potentially unusual samples
may be judged, and against which future samples can be
compared; and
• To provide stable geochemical maps.
Geochemical maps show trends so that predictions of unusual element concentrations may be made.
Commonly the geochemical data are carefully examined and statistically manipulated, providing a basis for
3-29
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making surficial geochemical maps that relate to geochemical processes. Geochemical maps for one pur-
pose may be used for another since the surficial processes causing unusual geochemical values are often
the same. For mineral assessments, the unusual values are often due to mineral occurrences (a natural, but
rare event) and for environmental monitoring unusual values are often due to environmental contamination.
The geochemical processes controlling the dissolution, transportation, and deposition of trace elements for
both mineral formation and contamination are the same.
Environmental Geochemistry and Geophysics Program. The primary objective of the USGS Environ-
mental Geochemistry and Geophysics program (EGG) is to understand (1) sources of elements; (2) how they
are transported; (3) how they are deposited; and (4) the characterization of surficial and subsurface environ-
ments. Most of the geochemical and geophysical maps made within this program, are funded through other
Federal agency programs. Examples of USGS experience in assessing four general types of environmental
contamination based on the work of contaminant distribution are shown below:
Distribution
1. Point Source, Natural
2. Point Source, Man-made
3. Non-point Source, Natural
Examples
Mineral Occurrences
Lead, Mercury, Arsenic,
Man-made Organic Compounds
Radon, Selenium
4. Non-point'Source, Man-made Selenium, Agricultural Chemicals
Table 3-2. Geologic Information Products
Series
GQ GP PP B I MF OFR Digital
Geologic Maps and Data
— General Purpose
— Special Purpose
Geochemical Maps and Data
Geophysical Maps and Data
Marine Mapping and Data
— Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)
— Continental Margin Mapping Series
— Coastal Mapping Series
X X X X
X X X X
X
X
X X X X X
X X X X X X
X XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
X
X
X
X
X
X
Assessment Maps
— Mineral Resources
— Energy Resources
— Earthquake Hazard (seismic potential, ground shaking,
ground response)
— Volcano Hazards
— Landslide and Subsidence
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Series Legend:
GQ — Geologic Quadrangle Map Series (available in color and in 1:24,000 to 1:62,500 scales from earth
science libraries and PIO).
GP — Geophysical Map Series (available in any scale from earth science libraries and PIO).
PP — Professional Paper Series.
B — Bulletin Series.
I — Miscellaneous Investigation Series (available in color and in any scale from earth science libraries
and PIO).
MF — Miscellaneous Field Studies Series (available in black and white and in any scale from earth
science libraries and PIO).
OFR — Open-File Reports (available in black and white and in any scale from USGS and Open-File
Services).
Digital — Compact Disc/Read Only Memory (CD/ROM), floppy disks, tapes.
3-30
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The approach used within the EGG Program to address environmental problems is based on the time
available. When a rapid assessment is required, data are synthesized by integrating existing geologic,
geochemical, and geophysical data bases. In the intermediate term, existing samples may be reanalyzed.
The USGS sample archives includes almost two million rock, stream sediment, and soil samples that can
be reanalyzed. Where the existing samples are not sufficient for the purpose of the study, additional field
geochemical data is acquired. Additional geochemical data will be collected in cases where either examina-
tion of changes through time or comparison with a previous geochemical baseline is required.
3.3.2.2.1 Product Description. Geochemical maps are graphic displays of element concentrations in an
area to emphasize locations of high and low concentrations, and provide a mechanism for making estimates
between sample points. The geochemical maps may be made utilizing the total concentration of an element
or the concentration of an element based on partial extractions. Stream sediments are the most commonly
collected and analyzed surficial materials for making geochemical maps. Other surficlal materials, including
soils, rock, water, and plants, may be used as well, depending on the purpose of the map.
3.3.2 2.2 Product Uses. A geochemical map is most commonly used to show trends in element composi-
tion to locate areas of unusually high and, for some purposes, unusually low values. Geochemical maps may
also identify the source of unusually high contaminant values (either natural or anthropogenic) and the area!
distribution of surficlal geochemical process (Figure 3-16).
Geochemical baselines are very important in situations of potential environmental contamination and are
commonly prepared in the process of making a geochemical map Geochemical maps of plant tissue gener-
ally reflect the bioavailability of an element, and are important In many environmental studies. Geochemical
Table 3*3. Scales of Geologic Maps Commonly Used by USGS
Map Scale
Type of Information
Purpose
1:2,500,000 Very general distribution of limited number
of very large and heterogeneous rock
units.
General planning and resource evaluation
over very large regions (Federal regions,
very large States).
1:500,000
General distribution of a larger number of
somewhat less heterogeneous rock units.
Little information on depth.
General planning, and resource evaluation
over large regions (large States, river
basins). Common scale for older State
maps.
1:250,000
Semidetailed distribution of large numbers
of fairly homogeneous rock units. Some
information on depth. Often has topo-
graphic base.
More detailed planning and resource evalu-
ation in medium-sized areas (small States,
large counties, national forests, mineralized
belts).
1:100,000
1:63,360 (Alaska)
1:62,500
1:24,000
1:20,000
(Puerto Rico)
Detailed distribution of large number of
homogeneous rock and surficial units and
considerable information on thickness and
depth. Generally has topographic base.
Very detailed distribution of large number
of quite homogeneous rock units. Surficial
deposits may be shown on separate map.
Much Information on thickness and vertical
extent of rock units. Has topographic base.
Detailed planning, land-management, and
resource studies (mining districts, urban
areas, many counties).
Detailed planning, zoning, site selection,
resource planning, and exploration (cities
and towns, subdivisions, mining districts,
mine sites, large construction projects).
Source Thompson (1988)
3-31
-------
IUM AND MERCURY
IN SOILS, PANOCHE FAN STUDY AREA
Figure 3-16. These geochemical maps reveal concentrations of selenium and mercury in soils at the
Panoche Fan Study area.
maps generally reflect only surface information. Samples from drill core are required to produce geochemical
maps that show variation with depth.
3.3.2.2.3 Product Scales. The scale of a geochemical map can vary greatly to include detailed sampling at
local (large-scale, 1:1,000) scales, to very broad (small-scale, 1:250,000) scales, such as the whole of the
United States. The broad-scale maps lose resolution and more detailed sampling may be required to achieve
the objectives of a particular project. The resolution of a map depends on the sampling density and is
independent of scale.
3.3.2.2.4 Production Requirements. Preparation of a statistically stable geochemical map is a two-part
process. The variability due to sample spacing, sampling methods, and analytical protocols is determined
first. Then, baseline estimates are determined and sample densities and locations calculated. The production
time of geochemical maps may vary from a few days when data already exists in the geochemical data
base, to about 2 years when samples need to be collected and analyzed in the two-stage process. Reanaly-
sis of archived samples for constituents not previously determined requires an intermediate timeframe as no
field work is necessary. While formal publication production of a geochemical map may take several years
due to peer review and the publication process, interim data can commonly be made available more rapidly
in a less formal format.
3-32
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3.3.2.2.5 Access to Available Products. Geochemical maps are typically part of a broader program objec-
tive and are available within reports and Open-File Reports. Geochemical maps are also published in scien-
tific journals, and in many cases are available in both paper and digital format. The Office of Scientific
Publications within the Geologic Division provides the mechanism for release of most published geochemical
maps. Two existing data bases that contain large numbers of archived samples are the National Uranium
Resource Evaluation (NURE) samples and the USGS Rock Analysis Storage System (RASS). The NURE
data base contains geochemical information for stream sediments, ground and surface water. The NURE
sample archive consists of stream-sediment samples. The RASS data base and sample archive includes
geochemical information for rock, soil, sediment and plant samples.
All of the data in the USGS RASS and NURE data bases are available in digital format. A CD/ROM disk
containing all of the NURE data is being prepared; the RASS data will be added later. The CD-ROM disks
will be available for general distribution. Additional information is available in USGS Circular 817 "Scientific
and technical, spatial, and bibliographic data bases and systems of the U.S. Geological Survey, 1983."
3.3.2.2.6 Planning for Future Products. Because of the need to assess the availability of existing data and
determine whether the data are sufficient for the intended study, geochemical mapping requirements need to
be planned on a case-by-case basis. Additional consideration should also be given to the complications that
can be introduced in areas where the means of element transport and deposition are not well understood.
3.3.2.3 Geophysical Mapping
Geophysical maps are produced in support of energy, mineral resource, and environmental analysis and
assessments. They are commonly integrated with geochemical and geologic maps. Geophysical maps are
used to determine the stratigraphy of the subsurface of the earth. A large number of geophysical techniques
are commonly employed (Table 3-4) depending on the nature of the area and the problem being addressed.
Figures 3-17 and 3-18 present examples of two geophysical mapping techniques. Covering each geophysical
technique is beyond the scope of this manual, but can be obtained either from the USGS or from the EPA
Environmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory (EMSL) at Las Vegas, Nevada (Appendix B). Geophysical
techniques are generally non-invasive and can give real time information. These attributes are often very
important in assessing environmental problems.
3.3.2.3.1 Product Description. Geophysical maps show either aerial data (profiles) or vertical data (sound-
ings). Data may be gathered by satellite, airplanes, or on the ground. Geophysical maps show the variation
of a variety of subsurface earth material attributes, depending on the technique, for the area of interest. The
data are interpreted in combination with other available geoscience information such as geology and
geochemistry. Products include geophysical maps, interpretive maps and reports, and digital data.
3.3.2.3.2 Product Uses. Geophysical techniques sense electrical, physical, and chemical differences in the
earth using electromagnetic, magnetic, radiometric, density, and seismic techniques. The information can be
used to examine the stratigraphy of the subsurface and may include depth to bedrock, the subsurface
stratigraphy, the depth to ground water, chemical composition of the ground water (including organics and
dissolved elements), clay-organic Interactions, and other attributes.
Each geophysical technique gives varying, commonly complementary, information. Through funding from
EPA (EMSL), an "expert" system was written by the USGS to aid selection of geophysical techniques to
address environmental questions. The system was designed to lead nongeophysicists through a series of
questions relating to the setting of interest and focus attention on the information needed to assess the
situation properly. These questions are important to determine the relative strengths and weaknesses of
geophysical techniques for the problem at hand. The system should be tested as a guide to appropriate
geophysical techniques and supplemented by experience.
3.3.2.3.3 Product Scales. The scale at which a geophysical map is produced depends on the purpose of
the investigation. General geophysical maps are produced at small scales, while detailed geophysical maps
from soundings are made at much larger scales. The scales of geophysical maps vary greatly from about
1:10,000,000 for gravity and magnetic maps of North America to detailed maps of small areas at large
scales of about 1:1,000 for maps compiled using ground-penetrating radar, electromagnetic, and other tech-
niques. It is also possible to make detailed gravity and magnetic maps.
Equally important to scale in geophysical maps is the concept of resolution. For example, aeromagnetic
maps may be made at the same scale, but could be based on flight lines as much as 6 miles apart or as
3-33
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Pace Blvd.
East —- along Cypress Street
H Streets
Discontinuous clay
Creosote plume
— Surface
— Water
table
— Clay
Continuous clay
Figure 3-17. The use of ground-penetrating radar allows the mapping of subsurfaces and is a valuable
technique for examining localized environmental problems, such as the extent of a creo-
sote plume.
5
»*•*;
»'O M WtNNtH
APPAHENT RESISTIVITIES AND
SPECIFIC CONDUCTANCE ALONG PROFILE A-A'
BASE BORDEN SANITARY LANDFILL SITE
CONDUCTIVITY CONTOUHb IN MICHOMMOb/CM
• CONDUCTIVITY SAMPLINu POINT
... t
Figure 3-18. Electromagnetic induction, another geochemical mapping technique, provides data on
the interaction of inorganic and organic compounds with clay minerals.
3-34
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Table 3-4. Geophysical Mapping Techniques
Technique
Description
Remote Sensing
Magnetic
Ground-Penetrating
Radar
Electromagnetic
Induction
Complex Resistivity
Seismic
Radiometric
Gravity
Well Logging
Borehole
Applications, either airborne or satellite, include determining the regional distribution
and character of exposed surficial materials (rocks, soils, man-made features), deter-
mining the surficial distribution of some minerals, including clays, mapping fractures
and fracture zones at the surface detecting and characterizing thermal sources, both
natural and anthropogenic.
Applications include locating magnetic objects such as drums, barrels, pipes, casings,
and some geologic materials.
Applications include mapping the subsurfaces showing the water table, depth to bed-
rock, stratigraphy of soils and sediments, containers and organic contaminants. This
is one of the most valuable techniques for many localized environmental problems
(Figure 3-17).
Can detect bedrock, water tables, clay lenses, buried metallic objects, and inorganic
plumes (Figure 3-18).
May detect buried metallic objects, plumes of inorganic, clay lenses, and organic com-
pounds reacted with clay minerals.
Procedures are used to determine the stratigraphy of the subsurface. Depth of survey
depends on the procedure used.
Procedures measure radioactivity. Measurements may be made from the air where nat-
ural radiation from elements such as uranium, thorium, and potassium may be deter-
mined. On the ground variety of elements may be determined, such as radon.
Procedures measure differences in density of subsurface materials for geologic frame-
work surveys. Other gravity techniques may be useful in locating voids, trenches, and
potential subsidence problems.
Techniques are used to determine several different characteristics of rock in a drill
hole.
Geophysical techniques are used to determine the structure of the subsurface between
two drill holes.
close as 1A mile. The spacing of the flight lines is dependent upon the resolution required. Analogous spac-
ing concerns apply to geophysical measurements made on the ground as well.
3.3.2.3.4 Production Requirements. The variety of geophysical techniques necessarily dictates a wide
range of time frames for the production of a new geophysical map. Some ground-based techniques may give
real time information, while several months to years may be necessary when flying many flight lines. Com-
monly a large amount of computer time is necessary to reduce the data to produce a map.
3.3.2.3.5 Access to Available Products. Geophysical maps are produced as paper products; however, the
data are commonly available in a digital format. Generally the geophysical maps are published as Open-File
reports, in the MF series, in the Geophysical Investigations (GP) series, and in scientific journals (Table 3-2).
Most published geophysical maps also include data and interpretations.
3.3.2.3.6 Planning for Future Products. Ongoing mission work, mineral, and environmental assessments
utilize a large proportion of the resources available for producing geophysical maps. However there may be
overlap in some areas of interest to EPA, so that the needs for geophysical maps should be made known to
the USGS through OIRM.
For long-term projects requiring geophysical maps, it would be useful for the USGS to be contacted at the
planning stage so that the long-term goals of both agencies can be met with existing resources.
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3.3.2.4 Offshore Mapping
The Presidential proclamation of March 10, 1983, declared an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the
USGS began a program to map the seafloor. The EEZ encompasses the seafloor extending from the coast
seaward to 200 nautical miles (over 3-million square nautical miles). The wide-swath, sonar-mapping system
known as Geologic Long-Range Inclined Asdic (GLORIA), developed and operated by the Institute of
Oceanographic Sciences (IOS), United Kingdom, was selected by the USGS as the EEZ mapping system.
Between 250,000 and 300,000 square nautical miles of seafloor are mapped annually as part of a scientific
cooperative agreement with IOS. At the start of Fiscal Year 1988, over one-third of the EEZ (1,000,000
square nautical miles of seafloor) had been mapped using GLORIA, which encompasses the EEZ around the
conterminous United States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, from the island
of Maui south in the Hawaiian Islands and in the Bering Sea. By 1991, the reconnaissance-scale mapping of
the deep-water EEZ around the 50 states will be complete.
The digital sidescan-sonar GLORIA data are image-processed, enhanced, and mosaiced into image maps
of the seafloor. These maps are published as atlases of each region. The data and maps are also being dis-
tributed on CD-ROM disks available to a broad PC-based user community. The atlases of GLORIA sidescan
sonar data contain image maps at a scale of 1:500,000, covering the seafloor from the edge of the continen-
tal shelf (approximately 200 m water depth) to the seaward edge of the EEZ. It takes approximately 18
months from completion of data collection to publication of image map atlases. Atlases and CD-ROM disks
are available as USGS publications. Using these data and maps, regions of the seafloor can be identified for
detailed study to assess resource potential (both energy and mineral), evaluate dynamic seafloor processes,
and predict engineering and environmental conditions that will affect resource development.
Continental Margin Mapping Project (CONMAP). The Continental Margin Map Series is a digital compila-
tion of information on the EEZ. Digital cartographic techniques are used to capture and display the data.
The CONMAP Series will provide continuous coverage at a scale of 1:1,000,000 of the 20 overlapping map
areas. A base map of topographic (onshore) and bathymetric (offshore) data as well as up to 10 thematic
maps for each area are planned. Thematic maps include distribution of sediment types, sediment thickness,
tectonic features, and sediment geochemistry. In addition to printed maps, the digital data base used to con-
struct the maps will also be available.
Coastal Map Series (COASTMAP). A Coastal Map Series is also under development for displaying near-
shore data at a scale of 1:100,000. A base map of topography (onshore) and bathymetry (offshore) is pre-
pared in conjunction with thematic maps such as sediment grain size distribution. These maps also are
produced by computer from a digital data base (Figure 3-19). This map series is useful in addressing coastal
issues such as erosion and near-shore resources. As data are collected they can be used to build, expand,
and update existing data bases.
Coastal Geology Program. The Coastal Geology Program consists of three main areas of research:
coastal erosion, coastal resources, and coastal pollution.
• Coastal Erosion: The overall objective of the coastal ero-
sion component is to better determine the processes caus-
ing erosion. By better understanding processes, the ability
to predict future erosion and better assess the utility of
attempts to mitigate erosion should improve. At present,
the USGS has ongoing studies of barrier island erosion
and wetland loss processes in Louisiana (Rgure 3-20), and
shoreline erosion in southern Lake Michigan. Each study
includes acquiring marine geophysical and remote-
sensing data to determine the shallow geologic framework
within which the erosion is taking place, understanding
the detailed processes leading to erosion such as sea-level
rise and sediment supply, and displaying the results on
maps and in reports.
• Coastal Resources: The overall objective of the coastal
resources component is to better determine the processes
leading to concentration of hard mineral resources in
coastal areas. By better understanding how concentra-
tions of resources develop, USGS should be better able
to predict their locations. Hard mineral resources in the
3-36
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Figure 3-19. A Coastal Map Series is being produced that will combine topography (onshore) and
bathymetry (offshore) maps with thematic maps, such as sediment grain size distribution,
to provide detailed information on various coastal areas. This COASTMAP series will be
helpful in addressing coastal problems such as erosion.
coastal zone include heavy minerals such as ilmenite (a
source of titanium) and sand and gravel used for construc-
tion purposes and beach nourishment.
Coastal Pollution: The overall objective of the coastal pollu-
tion component is to determine how pollutants are dis-
bursed and concentrated in coastal and estuarine waters.
The emphasis is on pollutants that adhere to fine sediment
particles and which may be deposited into sedimentary
deposits in quiescent waters or remobilized during storms.
At present, USGS has completed a reconnaissance study
of Boston Harbor where it measured currents, sediment
transport, and dispersal of pollutants through the stormy
winter season as well as conducted detailed mapping of
the seafloor using sidescan sonar and other high-
resolution geophysical equipment.
3-37
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Products. The results from investigations in all three components of the Coastal Geology Program are pub-
lished and made available to the scientific community and the general public in the form of written reports
and abstracts summarizing oral presentations as well as in thematic maps (Figure 3-12). These are available
through a variety of media, including USGS report series, scientific and technical journals, and as proceed-
ings from domestic and international meetings of professional societies. Any of the products may be
obtained from either the USGS sales offices or other central libraries (see Appendices C and D).
3.3.2.5 Access to Geologic Division Products
Geoscience products of GD are accessible to any EPA organization or individual having a need for the ser-
vices and facilities. The general categories of information and service include (1) publications, (2) libraries,
(3) data bases and data systems, and (4) geologic information services. The GD is an active publisher of
geologic maps, thematic maps, written reports, and abstracts. These reports are published through a variety
of media, including the USGS professional paper, bulletin, circular, and Open-File report series, as well as
scientific and technical journals of non-USGS societies. Thematic maps are published under one of several
USGS map series. After review, the material is published by the Office of Scientific Publications, with the
exception of map products. Final preparation and printing of USGS map series products is the responsibility
of the NMD.
Terrebonne Ba\
Terrebonne Ba\
Figure 3-20. The mapping of coastal erosion allows us to predict future erosion and better assess
the effectiveness of mitigation efforts. These maps show the effects of erosion over a
125-year period (1853 to 1978). Maps such as these are frequently developed in coopera-
tion with State geological surveys.
3-38
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GD is responsible for maintaining the USGS Library System. This system, administered by the Office of
Scientific Publications, contains more than one million holdings iry the main library in Reston, as well as
large holdings at the Denver, Menlo Park, and Flagstaff locations'. The library system can be utilized by Fed-
eral and State agencies, universities, industry, and the general public. The library holds both a standard col-
lection of publications, as well as field records, notebooks, manuscripts, and other background materials
from projects undertaken by any USGS personnel. The Photographic Library, located in Golden, contains
some 200,000 photographs taken during field studies which date back to the year 1869. Please refer to
Appendices E and F for further information on how to obtain library services and to use library facilities.
GD maintains a series of data bases and data systems. The data bases are usually accessible for retrieval
by researchers and other parties, and cover a multitude of subjects including earthquakes, energy and
mineral resources, rock analyses, and geologic maps. A comprehensive listing of USGS data bases and sys-
tems can be found in USGS Circular 817, "Scientific and technical, spatial, and bibliographic data bases
and systems of the U.S. Geological Survey, 1983."
GD also maintains Geologic Information Services (GIS). There are three groups in the GIS: the Geologic
Names Unit, the Geologic Inquiries Group, and the Visual Information Services Group. Of the three, the
group most useful to the EPA staff is likely to be the Geologic Inquiries Group, which is responsible for
responding to inquiries on all aspects of geology, geologic maps, and mapping directed to the USGS by
other Federal, State, and local agencies as well as from the general public (see Appendix C).
3.4 Water Resources Division
The Water Resources Division (WRD) conducts a wide variety of earth science investigations to carry out
the Division's mission to appraise the Nation's water resources and to provide the hydrologic information
needed for managing these resources as described in USGS Circular 1005 (USGS, 1986b). To accomplish
its mission WRD, in cooperation with State and local governments and other Federal agencies, performs the
following functions:
• Collects data on a systematic basis to determine the quan-
tity, quality, and use of surface and ground water, and the
quality of precipitation.
• Conducts water resources investigations and assessments
at national, State, and local scales, characterizes water
resources conditions, and provides the capability to pre-
dict the impact on the resource of managerial plans or
actions, and the effects of natural phenomena.
• Conducts basic and problem-oriented hydrologic and
related research to produce knowledge that is useful in
resolving water resources problems.
• Acquires information that is useful in predicting and
describing water-related natural hazards that may result
from the occurrence of flooding, volcanic eruptions, mud-
flows, land slides and land subsidence.
• Coordinates the activities of all Federal agencies in the
acquisition of water data for streams, lakes, reservoirs,
estuaries, and ground waters.
• Disseminates data and the results of investigations
through reports, maps, computerized information services,
and other forms of public release, and operates water
information centers.
• Provides scientific and technical assistance in hydrology
to other Federal agencies, to State and local agencies,
to licensees of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commis-
sion, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and, on behalf of
the U.S. Department of State, to international agencies.
• Administers provisions of the Water Resources Research
Act of 1984, including the State Water Resources
Research Institute Program and the National Water
Resources Research Grant Program.
3-39
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3.4.1 Organizational Structure
The Water Resources Division functions are carried out at two levels—Headquarters and field (Figure 3-21).
The Headquarters level is responsible for the overall direction of the Division, and consists of the Chief
Hydrologist, the Associate Chief Hydrologist, and five Assistant Chief Hydrologists one each for Operations,
Scientific Information Management, Program Coordination and Technical Support, Research and External
Coordination, and Water Assessment and Data Coordination.
General direction of the Division's field program is through four Regional Hydrologists, each of whom is
located at a regional center: Reston, Virginia (Northeastern Region); Atlanta, Georgia (Southeastern Region);
Lakewood/Denver, Colorado (Central Region); and Menlo Park, California (Western Region). These Regional
Hydrologists represent the Chief Hydrologist and the Director of the U.S. Geological Survey in negotiations
and dealing with other organizations and committees. They also oversee the programs of the 43 WRD Dis-
trict offices, which carry out the water resources investigations and data collection programs of the Division.
The Division's hydrologic research effort is directed to determining new methods for hydrologic data col-
lection and analysis, and providing new concepts in the understanding of hydrologic processes.
Each District office is under the guidance of a District Chief who is responsible for planning, programming,
and implementing the data collection activities and hydrologic studies within the District. Many District activi-
ties are supported by a jointly funded program, whereby the USGS matches funds with State and local
agencies on a 50-50 basis. Each District typically has one or more subdistricts and field offices that report to
the District Chief. Three multi-State Districts also have offices that coordinate programs within each State
and report to the District office.
The Division's field organization enables the Geological Survey to have close contact with State and local
agencies, allows the accumulation of detailed experience and knowledge of regional and local hydrologic
conditions, provides an early-warning system for the detection of emerging water problems, and reduces
costs for conducting investigations and operating data collection networks.
3.4.2 Programs and Activities
Program development in WRD is an evolving activity. Existing programs are reviewed regularly and future
needs for water data and hydrologic investigations are projected. Water problems and data needs frequently
are brought to the attention of the Division by State and local agencies and the public; thus, program
development is a grass-roots effort. As data needs and water-related problems change, the programs are
modified accordingly.
The programs of are of three major types: (1) data collection and dissemination; (2) problem-oriented water
resources investigations; and (3) research. Budgetary documents classify the WRD's activities according to
source of funds: direct congressional appropriations (Federal Program); joint or shared funds (Federal-State
Cooperative Program); and funds from other Federal agencies (Other Federal Agencies Program). Although
this classification is helpful, most of the programs are so interrelated that they are difficult to explain exclu-
sively by source of funds or type of activity. For example, theories arising from research are the foundation
of data collection and problem-oriented water resources investigations, and data collection is a major compo-
nent of all water resources appraisals and most of the research studies.
Since the early 1900s, WRD has been conducting area! and research water resources investigations,
many of which are related to surface- and ground-water contamination. The number of investigations related
to water resources contamination and water resources appraisal has increased each year. Many of the WRD
programs have mapping components associated with particular needs of the program.
During the past few years, water-resources contamination has received highest priority consideration and
various investigations and research efforts are ongoing to obtain an improved understanding of the Nation's
water quality and the factors affecting it. Some of the USGS research into the regional hydrologic framework
of aquifers and fate and transport of chemicals, in which hydrologic mapping is conducted as part of the
analyses of the systems, include the Regional Aquifer Systems Analysis (RASA), the Toxic Substances
Hydrology Program, the Central Valley of California selenium study, and the National Water Quality Assess-
ment (NAWQA) program. The RASA studies are of particular interest as they provide definition and mapping
of regional aquifer systems.
Hydrologic maps produced by WRD are part of interpretive investigations and cover such topics as acid
rain, surface-water hydrologic units, quality and flow conditions, aquifer characteristics and boundaries,
ground-water flow systems, geochemistry, contaminant plumes, geophysics, soils, water use, and well loca-
tions. Much of the basic information used to prepare these maps is available in computer data bases located
at District or WRD Headquarters' Offices. Some of the information is available in GIS ARC/INFO format.
3-40
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_L
Assistant
Chief Hydrologist
for Operation*
J_
Assistant Chief Hydrologist
for Program Coordination
and Technical Support
Branch of Accounting
Services
Branch of
Administrative
Management Systems
Branch of
Administrative
Services
Branch of
Instrumentation
Branch of
Manpower
Branch of Operational
Support
Branch of Planning
Support
Assistant Chief Hydrologul
for Research and
External Coordination
Assistant Chief Hydrologist
for Scientific Information
Management
Colorado
Iowa
Kansas
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
New Mexico
North Dakota
Oklahoma
South Dakota
Texas
Utah
Wyoming
J_
Assistant Chief Hydrologist
for Water Assessment and
Data Coordination
Branch of
Computer
Technology
Branch of Scientific
Publications
Branch of Water
information Transfer
Office of Regional
Hydrologisi
western Region
-L
District Offices
Alaska
Arizona
California
Hawaii
Idaho
Nevada
Pacific Northwest
•National facility administered by the office shown
Figure 3-21. The Water Resources Division has numerous functions which are carried out at two
levels. The headquarters level consists of the Chief Hydrologist, Associate Chief Hydrolo-
gist, and five Assistant Chief Hydrologists. At the field level are four Regional Hydrolo-
gists, each of whom is located at a regional center.
-------
These hydrologic data bases provide the data for the understanding of hydrologic systems and facilitate the
application of surface-water, ground-water, and solute transport models. As part of the process of evaluating
aquifer systems, hydrologists begin the evaluation by depicting the resulting maps' characteristics such as
tops and bottoms of aquifers and confining units; recharge/discharge areas; lithology, structure, and thick-
ness of hydrologic units; saturated thickness; depth to water; potentiometric surface; transmissivity and
hydraulic conductivity; porosity; yields; water quality; and source and movement of contaminants using geo-
logic maps as a preliminary description of the earth. This information is combined with data from aquifer
tests, drill-stem tests, geophysics—both surface and borehole as described in Table 3-4—drillers' logs,
water-quality data, and other information to provide an understanding of the aquifer systems.
Hydrologic investigations in WRD are conducted through the three major Programs—Federal, Federal-
State Cooperative, and Other Federal Agency Programs. Hydrologic map products are an integral part of the
ongoing interpretive and basic data collection activities in these programs. Mapping scales are selected
according to the analytical and presentation needs of the various programs, but generally are one of the
scales in the existing topographic series. However, the final publication scale may be reduced from that of
the compilation scale. Other maps are published in map series, such as in the Hydrologic Investigations
Atlases described later in this chapter. Selected WRD programs that produce maps or provide computer-
based data pertinent to mapping are described in the following sections on the Federal (other Federal Agen-
cies) and Federal-State Cooperative Programs.
3.4.3 Federal Program
The Federal program is specifically identified in annual Congressional appropriations and provides for the
collection of water resources data, investigations of resources, and resources activities in areas where the
Federal interest is paramount. These interests include water resources in the public domain, river basins and
aquifers that cross State boundaries, and other areas of international or interstate concern.
Regional Aquifer-System Analysis Program. The Regional Aquifer-System Analysis (RASA) Program is a
systematic effort to study a number of regional ground-water systems that represent a significant part of the
Nation's water supply. A regional aquifer system, as the term is used here, may be of two general types:
(1) aquifers that are of regional extent, such as those underlying the Great Plains and the Atlantic Coastal
Plain (Figure 3-22); and (2) groups of aquifers that share so many characteristics that investigation of a few
of these aquifers can establish common principles and hydrologic factors controlling the occurrence, move-
ment, and quality of ground water throughout similar aquifer systems.
The purpose of the RASA program is to provide the basic information and knowledge needed to manage
ground-water development from a regional perspective. Its activities include the following:
• Determine availability and chemical quality of water stored
in and being transmitted through each aquifer system.
• Evaluate discharge/recharge characteristics of each
aquifer system.
• Evaluate geologic, hydrologic, and chemical controls that
govern the responses of the aquifer systems to stresses.
• Develop computer-based flow-simulation models to assist
in understanding the aquifer systems and their responses
to such human activities as pumping or irrigation.
Ground-Water Atlas of the United States. The Atlas will assimilate the vast amount of information on
ground water that the Survey has accumulated for many years in hundreds of reports of wide-ranging scope
and scale (Figure 3-23). The Atlas would provide both State and national perspectives by discussing ground-
water information that applies to individual states and by showing how each state's resources fit into the
regional and national picture. The Atlas will bring together and summarize past and current ground-water
information for the Nation to provide an educational document that summarizes the Nation's ground-water
resources for a broad audience. The Atlas is intended to document aquifer nomenclature used by Federal,
State, and local agencies.
Toxic Substances Hydrology. The Toxic Substances Hydrology Program (TSHP) of the U.S. Geological
Survey was established in 1985, in response to rising national concern about contamination of the Nation's
ground water and surface water. The purpose of the TSHP is to provide the Nation with earth science
information to improve waste disposal practices, and mitigate or prevent further contamination of water
resources by toxic substances (Figure 3-24).
3-42
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GEOHYDROLOGY OF THE HIGH PLAINS AQUIFER
'06° 105
43
42
41°
40°
39
— 104<> 103° 102° 101° 100° 99° 98
SOUTH DAKOTA S
NEBRASKA
COLORADO
OKLAHOMA
EXPLANATION
DISSOLVED-SOLIDS
CONCENTRATION, IN
MILLIGRAMS PER LITER
AQUIFER
BOUNDARY
LESS THAN 250
250-500
500-1000
MORE THAN 1000
SAMPLE SITE-Number refers
NEW MEXICO
Figure 3-22. This figure shows the geohydrology and dissolved-solids concentration in water from the
High Plains Aquifer. Source: Krothe et al,, 1982.
3-43
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S*xJ •qurfertand
ctoy confining units
EXPLANATION
Fault-Arrows indicate
relative vertical movement
£ Freshwater-saltwater
+ interface
Direction of
groundwater flow
Figure 3-23. Comparison of ground-water flow conditions before and after development in the Florid-
Ian aquifer system, southeastern Georgia. A = Before development, pre-1900. B - After
development, early 1980s. Source: Krause and Randoph, 1987.
3-44
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The TSHP requires extensive research in ground-water hydrology, erosion and sediment transport,
geochemistry, and ecology. The TSHP is directed to improve knowledge about the occurrence, movement,
and fate of contaminants in ground-water and surface-water systems. Ongoing efforts include the following:
• Developing and evaluating methods to assess the distri-
bution and magnitude of ground-water contamination;
• Characterizing the process by which contaminants move
through the subsurface; and
• Conducting intensive field investigations of ground-water
contamination, and thereby
— Apply theoretical and analytical methods in real-world
situations.
— Improve monitoring and sampling procedures.
— Develop new ways to mitigate ground-water
contamination.
— Evaluate the reliability and value of predictive models
for characterizing and predicting the course of ground-
water contamination.
• Conducting investigations of the six most common and
persistent groups of ground-water contaminants:
petroleum products (gasoline and diesel fuels), volatile
chlorinated organic solvents (trichloroethylene, for exam-
ple), wood treatment and related products (such as creo-
sote and pentachlorophenol), sewage, other selected
organic compounds, and selected trace metals (lead, mer-
cury and cadmium, for example); and
• Conducting detailed field investigations of 3 to 4 years
duration into surface-water contamination in selected river
basins, to
— Determine the occurrence, distribution, and movement
of organic substances and trace metals under differ-
ent conditions.
— Improve knowledge of the processes and factors that
govern the movement and fate of different classes of
toxic substances in different hydrologic settings.
— Develop improved study approaches and sampling
methods for evaluating the magnitude, distribution,
and movement of toxic substances in water, sediment,
and biota.
National Water-Quality Assessment Program. Beginning in 1986, the Congress has annually appropri-
ated funds for the U.S. Geological Survey to test and refine concepts for a National Water-Quality Assess-
ment Program (Hirsch et al., 1988). The goals of a full-scale program would be as follows:
• To provide a nationally consistent description of current
water-quality conditions for a large part of the Nation's
water resources;
• To define long-term trends (or lack of trends) in water qual-
ity; and
• To identify, describe, and explain the major factors that
affect observed water-quality conditions and trends.
As presently envisioned, the proposed program would be accomplished through investigations of about
120 study areas—aquifer systems and river basins—that are distributed throughout the Nation and that
incorporate about 80 percent of the Nation's water use. Organization into these discrete study units would
enable examination of the causes of observed water-quality conditions, which is vital if the program is to be
useful to managers and policy makers at Federal, State, and local levels.
3-45
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WJ3
EXPLANATION
-\-32- Water-table contour—Shows altitude of water
table. Arrows show direction of ground-water
movement. Contour interval 4 feet. Datum is
sea level.
Line of equal concentration— Dashed
where inferred
-100- Boron—Interval 100 micrograms per liter
—1.0— Detergents (MBAS)—Interval, in milligrams
per liter, is variable
-100- Volatile organic compounds— Interval 100
micrograms per liter
• Water well—Single well or cluster of wells.
A—A Trace of section
70-33 *T32
Figure 3-24. This multipanel figure presents a sewage plume in ground water downgradient from Otis
Air Base, Cape Cod, Massachusetts (1983). A = Water table configuration. B-D = Area!
distribution of boron (B) in micrograms per liter. C = Detergents (methylene-blue-active
substances) in milligrams per liter. D = Volatile organic compounds in micrograms per
liter. Source: Modified from LeBlanc, 1984, and Thurman et al., 1984.
3-46
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The study units will be linked together in several ways to form a national program:
• A prescribed set of study approaches and protocols for
sample collection, sample handling, laboratory analysis,
and quality assurance will be followed;
• Data will be collected and interpreted on a nationally
consistent set of water-quality constituents;
• Consistent records of ancillary information will be recorded
on streamflow and basin characteristics, well and aquifer
characteristics, and land use and other measures of
human activity;
• Written reports will contain similar information for each
study unit; and
• Data will be stored m national data files, where they will
be available to the user community upon request.
Assessment activities in each of the study units will be done on a rotational rather than continuous basis.
Only a subset of the study units will be studied in detail at a given time. For each study unit, 3- to 5-year
periods of intensive data collection and analysis will be alternated with longer periods during which the
assessment activities will be less intensive.
Several types of maps will be produced at the study-unit scale for the NAWQA Program. Depending on
the spatial distribution of the constituents of interest, the maps will take several forms including (1) maps
showing locations of sampling sites and results of water-quality analyses (Figure 3-25); (2) maps that distin-
guish river reaches or aquifer zones that differ in their average values or in their frequencies of exceedance
of given concentrations of water-quality constituents; (3) maps of the locations of water-quality anomalies that
cover large areas (tens of river miles or tens of square miles in an aquifer system); and (4) maps of factors
that affect the vulnerability of aquifer systems to contamination.
At present, the program is in a pilot phase. Seven pilot projects, representing a diversity of hydrologic
environments, were selected to test and further refine the assessment concepts; four projects focus primarily
on surface water and three projects focus primarily on ground water.
A decision about proceeding to full-scale Implementation will be made in 1990. The decision will be
influenced by an ongoing evaluation of the design and the potential utility of the program by a committee of
the National Academy of Sciences.
Hydrologic Research. WRD conducts research in six major fields of study: surface-water hydrology,
geochemistry, ground-water hydrology, sediment transport (Figure 3-26) and geomorphology, water chemis-
try, and ecology.
Studies are conducted in fate and transport of hazardous substances in surface water and ground water
(Figure 3-27), geophysics, geochemical modeling, effects of acid precipitation on watershed chemistry, and
numerous other areas.
Recent accomplishments that are relevant to EPA interests include the following:
• Developed sophisticated ground-water flow models to bet-
ter understand ground-water systems and to provide
insight into the effects of the application of various ground-
water management schemes.
• Initiated a new program of research and investigations
regarding hazardous-substances contamination of surface
water and sediments.
• Increased understanding of the role of lakes in the hydro-
logic system with respect to ground-water recharge and
discharge by defining ground-water flow systems relative
to lakes.
• Developed and demonstrated the usefulness of complex
computer models to simulate movement of radionuclides
in ground water.
• Demonstrated the importance of flow through gravel zones
in river bottoms to the sorption and transport of pollutants
in streams.
• Developed new borehole geophysical methods in charac-
terizing fractured rock zones.
3-47
-------
97° 00'
96° 45'
LINCOLN CO.
vanoss
Formation
Chase,
Council
Grove,
and
Admire
Groups
LOGAN CO.
'KLAHOM
CO.
CLEVELAND CO.
Garber Sandstone
and
Wellington Formation
El Reno Group \
> XX
EXPLANATION
IONS EXCEEDING
3 MILLIEQUIVALENTS
PER LITER
Ca + Mg
HCO3
Ca + Mg, Na
HCO3
Ca + Mg, Na
HCO3, Cl
Ca + Mg, Na
HCO3, Cl, SO4
— Contact between
geologic units-
Dashed where
appropriate
35° 00
34° 45
10
I
20 Miles
I
10
20 Kilometers
Figure 3-25. This map, a sample of those produced under the National Water-Quality Assessment Pro-
gram, shows the major ion chemistry in the shallow zone of a study unit.
3-48
-------
Columbia _ ,--~__^
River „ Before MotrntSi.
Helens eruption
Eel River
usquehanna
River 2
Colorado River
River
Concentration of suspended
sediment in rivers, in milligrams
per liter
wx Arams River
Rio Grande* ° 8
230
River
ZOOO-6000
More than 60OO
Discharge of suspended sediment
to the coastal zone, in millions
of tons per year
•BBB (Area of semicircle is
15^*^ proportional to
sediment volume)
Concentration of
suspended sediment.
in milligrams per liter
Lets than 500
500-2000
Mora than 2000
Discharge of suspended
sediment to the coastal
zone, in millions of tons
per year
Area of semicircle
is proportional to
sediment volumes
Figure 3-26. This map, showing the sediment transport of selected rivers in the United States, reflects
one of six major areas of study by the Water Resources Division. Source: Concentration
map modified from Rainwater, 1962; sediment discharge data compiled by R.S. Parker
and R.H. Meade from files of the U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,
and the International Boundary and Water Commission.
3-49
-------
3-27b
Total ph€fXJ*C COmpOunda-
Concenfaton in milligrams pef litaf
Direction of ground-watar flow
0 200 400 900 FEET
Figure 3-27. This multipanel figure examines the fate and transport of hazardous substances at a
designated study area.
Figure 3-27a shows the vertical distribution of phenolic-compound contamination in a
surficial aquifer, Pensacola, Florida (1985).
Figure 3-27b presents an area! distribution of total phenolic-compound contamination in
a surficial aquifer at a wood-preserving plant, Pensacola, Florida, (1985). A = Location of
plant site. B-C = Extent of contamination in the water-table zone (B) and the shallow,
semiconfined zone (C). Source: Modified from Franks et al., 1986.
Assistance to Other Federal Agencies. WRD is often called upon by other Federal agencies to provide
specific hydrologic information. WRD also provides assistance in interpreting and complying with environ-
mental laws and regulations as required by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.
Circular 1005 cites examples of the types of activities that WRD engages in as part of requests by other
Federal agencies. These activities include providing data on energy research and development, siting and
investigating municipal waste-disposal sites, studying ground water/lake relationships, collecting water-quality
information, and providing hydrologic assistance for toxic waste cleanup actions.
Accomplishments relevant to EPA interests include studies describing hydrology of eastern and western
coal mining areas; a study of the hydrochemistry, pertaining to concentrations of selenium and other trace
elements, in water of the San Joaquin Valley, San Luis Drain Service Area, and the Kesterson National Wild-
life Refuge; coordinating data and information transfer to EPA groups; collaborating with EPA in developing
ground-water protection strategy; and assisting EPA in remediating toxic waste disposal sites. Many of these
3-50
-------
accomplishments result in mapping activities and map production for the ultimate use of the EPA and other
agencies.
National Water Summary Program. The National Water Summary Program was established in 1981 to
synthesize information about the availability, quantity, quality, and use of water resources and to organize it
in ways that portray the condition of the Nation's water resources. "National Water Summary" reports have
been published annually since 1984. The National Water Summary is a periodic publication by WRD which
focuses upon a water-related theme and results from selected projects. Each Summary contains information
on a national basis for the theme plus State summaries. The program also prepared maps, reports, and
statistics to assist other Federal agencies in their water-resources assessment activities. Information about
this program may be obtained from the Branch of National Water Summary (USGS, 1988).
Hydrologic Data-Collection Program. The Hydrologic Data-Collection Program is the WRD's basic pro-
gram for collecting, compiling, and analyzing surface and ground-water data. Table 3-5 presents the types of
data that are collected and the number of stations per fund type.
National Water-Data Storage and Retrieval System (WATSTORE). WATSTORE is the data system that
generates much of the basis of WRD book and map reports which describe and analyze the Nation's water
resources. The program was first initiated as a way to more effectively handle and make accessible the vast
amount of data that is continually being collected by the Water Resources Division.
The types of data that are compiled in the WATSTORE system include files on surface water, quality of
water, ground water, annual peak streamflow and gage height from surface-water stations, chemical quality
analyses for both surface and ground water, geologic and inventory data for ground-water sites, and water
use information for 12 types of uses (Figure 3-28). The WATSTORE system is able to store and retrieve data
at about 50,000 locations that are a part of its nationwide telecommunications network. It has the ability to
provide hydrologic data on a real-time or hourly basis and to provide that data in formats that are appropri-
ate to user needs. Examples of data formats include computer printed tables and graphs, statistical anal-
yses, digital plots, and magnetic tape.
The WATSTORE data base contains some 220 million daily observations of streamflow, reservoir contents,
water temperature, stream sediment, and ground-water level data, as well as 2.5 million chemical, physical,
biological, and radiochemical analyses from surface and ground water. It also contains hydrologic and geo-
logic data on 900,000 inventoried wells.
Coordination of Federal Water-Data Acquisition. The Coordination of Federal Water-Data Acquisition is
a long-term project managed by the Office of Water Data Coordination (OWDC). This program is designed to
(1) assure that the need for water resources information is being met by effectively managed Federal pro-
grams, (2) that information on water data, and on existing and planned Federal programs is effectively
cataloged and accessible, and (3) that the planning, design, and documentation of water data networks and
information is properly coordinated.
The Office of Water Data Coordination conducts annual advisory committee meetings and advises the
Secretary of the Interior on the status of water-data acquisition. It implements advisory committee recom-
mendations and coordinates the Federal plan for water-data acquisition. As a product of these efforts, the
OWDC publishes various documents and maps including "The National Handbook of Recommended
Methods for Water Data Acquisition"; a catalog of information on water-data acquisition activities (now avail-
able through the National Water-Data Exchange); a Hydrologic Unit Map of the United States and hydrologic
unit maps for each state; and a digitized data base of the hydrologic unit maps covering the United States
(in Open-File Reports).
National Water Data Exchange. The National Water Data Exchange (NAWDEX) represents a direct effort
on the part of the USGS to make federally acquired water data more accessible to all parties. The objective
of this program is to serve effectively as a focal point or source for any group needing water-related data.
The activities the National Water Data Exchange pursues to accomplish this goal are (1) operating a national
water-data indexing program, (2) maintaining a national user-service program consisting of a nationwide net-
work of assistance centers, (3) interacting with water-oriented organizations, and (4) assisting the Office of
Water Data Coordination in cataloging water data acquisition activities.
Several accomplishments by NAWDEX demonstrate how it can effectively assist the EPA in its data and
mapping needs:
• Implemented a program that directly linked two major
water-data bases: EPA's STORET and USGS's
WATSTORE.
• Processed about 85,000 requests for hydrologic informa-
tion through a coordinated effort involving its nationwide
network of 76 assistance centers.
3-51
-------
Table 3-5. Type of Data Collected in the Hydrologic Data-Collection Program
Number of Stations, by Source of Funding
Single Program Support
Type of Station
SURFACE WATER
Discharge
Continuous record
Partial record
Stage Only— Streams
Continuous record
Partial record
Stage Only— Lakes/Reservoirs
Continous record
Partial record
Quality
Continuous record
Scheduled, long-term operation
Short-term or project stations
GROUNDWATER
Water Levels
Continuous record
Scheduled, long-term operation
Short-term or project stations
Quality
Scheduled, long-term operaton
Short-term or project stations
SEDIMENT
Daily sampling
Periodic sampling
PRECIPITATION
Quantity
Quality
Federal
Program
(Federal)
481
99
13
1
12
11
66
389
26
90
656
1,157
49
560
29
460
45
32
Federal-State
Cooperative
Program
(COOP)
3,158
2,880
86
166
274
177
243
1,109
512
1,413
17,089
4,202
3,053
3,475
65
225
460
32
Combined Support
Reimbursement
from Other
Federal
Agencies
(OFA)
1,575
273
245
28
277
75
217
330
116
200
1,098
1,061
158
730
72
161
319
8
Federal,
COOP
1.130
268
93
33
210
87
62
312
47
656
3,791
3,219
640
429
5
17
79
3
Federal,
OFA
146
91
3
0
1
0
9
24
15
14
0
315
0
26
1
10
6
3
COOP,
OFA
472
12
8
1
4
0
2
19
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
5
0
0
Federal,
COOP,
OFA
38
1
0
0
1
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Total
Stations
7,000
3,624
448
229
779
350
599
2.185
716
2,373
22,634
9.954
3.900
5.220
174
878
909
78
Source U S Geological Survey Open-File Report 87-563
-------
• Developed and maintained the Master Water Data Index
of more than 450,000 data-collection sites.
• Developed and maintained the Water-Data sources Direc-
tory for more than 750 organizations that are sources of
water and water-related data.
Water Resources Scientific Information Center (WRSIC). The objective of this center is to function as a
clearing house for water-related scientific and technical information. The center accomplishes its objective by
abstracting water-resources publications, and making this information promptly and readily available to the
water resources community and the public through publications and computerized bibliographic information
services.
National Water Information System (NWIS). The National Water Information System (NWIS) was estab-
lished in 1986 to create a master data base incorporating the WRSIC, WATSTORE, and NAWDEX files.
These revisions to existing systems will improve the efficiency and utilization of computer resources.
Inquiries should be directed to the NAWDEX program (see Appendix D).
3.4.4 Federal-State Cooperative Program
The Federal-State Cooperative Program is a partnership for water-resources investigations between the
USGS and State, regional, and local agencies. The cooperating agencies contribute at least half the funds
and the USGS usually contributes most of the work.
: -IfT -"^
EXPLANATION
Phoephorua concentration
Symbol represent* trend thai it significant
•t the 90-percent confidence level (lesi than
• 10-percent chance thai the trend could neve
resulted from e rendom arrangement of
thedeta)
Increasing trend
• Decreasing trend
• No change
X No data
Figure 3-28. This map shows an example of the types of data compiled in the WATSTORE data base,
which is national in scope. Here, trends in total phosphorous concentrations at U.S. Geo-
logical Survey National Stream Quality Accounting Network stations in the conterminous
United States, 1975 to 1981, are shown. Source: Compiled from data in Smith and
Alexander, 1983.
3-53
-------
The program began in 1895 with a cooperative study with the State of Kansas. The Federal appropriations
bill of 1929 established the 50-50 cost-sharing principle. In 1986, more than 900 agencies and the USGS
were working together in a balanced program that recognizes the needs, priorities, and resources of all par-
ties. These cooperative efforts generate much of the hydrologic information needed for planning, developing,
and managing the water resources of the United States.
The program's purpose is
• To determine the quantity, quality, and use of surface and
ground water;
• To define and evaluate the distribution and availability of
water resources of drainage basins, counties, States, and
hydrologic regions; and
• To conduct investigations and research on current water
issues such as water quality, toxic waste disposal, ero-
sion and sedimentation, water supply and demand,
ground-water contamination, and hydrologic hazards.
Activities include the following:
• Supporting the collection of hydrologic data at about two-
thirds of all USGS data-collection sites in every State,
Guam, Puerto Rico, and several territories.
• Conducting hydrologic investigations and research proj-
ects (approximately 500 in Fiscal Year 1986) with increas-
ing emphasis on water-quality issues, including aquifer
contamination, ground-water protection strategies, river
quality assessments, storm runoff, and acid precipitation.
• Assessing water resource conditions and water-supply
problems related to coal mining and land reclamation
under the cooperative coal hydrology program.
National Water-Use Information Program. The National Water-Use Information Program was designed to
address the need for a single source of information on water use, thereby meeting the needs of State and
Federal agencies (Figure 3-29). There are twelve categories of water use contained in the data base con-
sisting of three basic types: agriculture, power generation, and other uses. The information is further
delineated (USGS, 1986d) as follows:
Agriculture: Power Generation: Other Uses:
Irrigation • Fossil fuel
Nonirrigation • Geothermal
• Hydroelectric
Domestic
Commercial
Industrial
Nuclear
Mining
Public supply
Sewage treatment
The water-use data base complements the WATSTORE data base which has information on long-term
water availability and quality.
The information compiled and made available by the National Water-Use Information Program includes
data on fresh and saline surface and ground water, defining how much of that water is withdrawn from
reservoirs, consumptively used, or returned for future use. The data are available at the county and hydro-
logic subregion levels. The methods of recording and analyzing this data have been improved and stan-
dardized as the program has progressed. The data base is computerized, facilitating storage and retrieval
processes and making the data base much more accessible and understandable to all interested parties.
EPA may likely have many applications for this type of data base; one example is its use in assessing the
potential impact that contamination of a water supply may have on the water supply users.
3-54
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WATER USE IN WISCONSIN 1985
PUBLIC SUPPLY
Public supply refers to water withdrawn by
public or private suppliers and delivered to
domestic, commercial, and industrial users
who do not supply their own water.
IRRIGATION
About 84 million gallons per day of water
was used during 1985.
All irrigation reported in the State was spray
type.
Ground-water accounts for 98 percent of the
water used for irrigation.
Consumptive use for irrigation was esti-
mated to be 84 Mgal/d or 100 percent of the
total amount withdrawn.
Total water use from public supply
(MGD)
EXPLANATION
Water use, in millions of gallons per day
Less than 0.1
0.1 - 1.0
1.0 -2.0
2.0 - 3.0
3.0 - 10.0
10.0 - 100.0
100.0 - 250.0
Well location
Locations of irrigation wells in Wisconsin, 1985
Locations of public supply wells
in Wisconsin, 1985
Figure 3-29. This multipanel figure is an example of a water use map for a specific state-
Wisconsin—in 1985. Public Supply refers to water withdrawn by public or private sup-
pliers and delivered to domestic, commercial, and industrial users who do not supply
their own water. In terms of agricultural uses, irrigation consumed about 84 million gal-
lons of water per day in 1985. Source: Modified from USGS maps produced by Ellefson.
B.R., Rury, K.S., and Krohelski, J.T., 1988.
3-55
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3.4.5 Hydrologic Maps
WRD publishes a variety of hydrologically related maps from the various programs. The majority of these
can be placed in one of three general categories: Hydrologic Investigations Atlases, Water Availability Maps,
and Rood-Prone Area Maps. As stated in Thompson (1988):
"Hundreds of different water reports and maps by Survey personnel are made available
every year in Federal, State, and local publications, in technical journals, or in depos-
itories for public inspection. For each State, the Survey issues a folder containing a
brief description of its water-resources investigations in that State. The folder includes a
principal map that shows the location of hydrologic data stations and the extent of the
hydrologic investigations; smaller maps in the folder depict variations in hydrologic
characteristics. State Hydrologic Unit Maps are also available."
State hydrological unit maps are available from the WRD Office of Water Data Coordination (see
Appendix D). Categories of WRD mapping activities are discussed below:
Hydrologic Atlases. The Hydrologic Atlases are developed from basic data collection and special studies
and are used to present a wide range of hydrologic and hydrogeologic facts concerning the Nation's water
resources. More than 600 hydrologic atlases have been published by WRD. Most of these atlases have been
prepared in cooperation with State, county, and municipal agencies and cover areas where general hydro-
logic mapping and inventory were desired. Atlases usually cover natural hydrologic units, such as drainage
basins. Each map contained within an atlas presents one or more aspects of the area's hydrology (e.g.,
delineation of flood areas or water availability). Frequently mapped subject combinations may include infor-
mation on aquifer framework, surface drainage, precipitation and climate, geology, availability of ground and
surface water, water quality and use, and streamflow characteristics.
The scale of maps used for hydrologic atlases depends on the type of presentation and on the availability
of base maps. The principal maps are most frequently presented at a scale of 1:24,000, however much
smaller scales (e.g., 1:250,000) are used for larger areas of study. Atlas maps are usually superimposed on
topographic or planimetric base maps that cover the study area. Relevant data, information, and analyses
that support the principal atlas maps are often shown on smaller maps, graphs, tables, and text. Other sup-
porting information is also often included, notably photographs and references.
Water Availability Maps. These maps are produced as part of project reports and indicate the ground-
water potential throughout the mapped area and are intended for use as a convenient guide in planning
water-supply projects for domestic, municipal, industrial, and irrigation uses. Information presented on these
maps include well yield, depth to ground water, aquifer delineation, potentiometric surface, and water quality
information (Figure 3-30).
The production of water availability maps has increased in recent years, with the level of effort on interpre-
tive investigation projects exceeding 1,000 per year; however, at the time of publication of this document,
coverage consisted of less than one half of the country. Currently, water availability projects are centered in
areas of the country where population and water use are growing the fastest.
Flood-Prone Area Maps. Flood-prone area maps delineate areas that are subject to flooding. Efforts to
produce these maps began in 1966. The maps serve as a general warning of potential flood hazards and as
a basis for setting priorities for future studies. As of Fiscal Year 1976, over 12,000 quadrangles had been
mapped. These maps would be useful in assessing or sitting waste disposal sites, as well as for other
purposes.
3.5 Mapping Requirements Statement Development
A degree of familiarity with map products is necessary for development of a valuable mapping needs
request. The content of this manual has been directed towards providing the reader with information on
USGS capabilities and map products at a level sufficient to begin preparation of a request. Due to the great
variety of USGS map products, not all are described in this Manual. It is suggested that interested map
users research their desired map products by examining similar or related products already in use (Table
3-6). Please refer to the appendices for further detail. USGS provides indices of some map series for this
reason (Table 3-7). New map products may also result from other Federal agency requests. The products
and indices listed in Tables 3-6 and 3-7, respectively, present sufficient information to order existing map
products (Table 3-8) or to indicate a mapping need.
Contacts within USGS and EPA who can assist in determining the optimum method to supply the carto-
graphic information are listed in Appendices A, B, and C. In addition, the USGS contacts are resources for
cartographic information, geological and hydrological data, and new map products (Appendices C and D).
Please use these resources to refine your mapping needs requests.
3-56
-------
TEHNESSEE REGION
EXPLANATION
BW Water-resources region
boundary
Water-resources sub-
region boundary
Principal river basin
boundary
JIM "ooMurr^Dgm 8n(j name-Reser
voir formed by dam
has storage capacity
of at least 5.000 acre-
feet
• Powerptant—Generating
capacity of at least
25.000 kilowatts
A7 USGS stream-gaging
station — Number
refers to accompany-
ing bar graph and to
table 2
SAVANNAH RIVER AT AUGUSTA
-------
Table 3-6. Summary Listing of Map Products Available from USGS
Scale
Cartographic Products
Maps
Puerto Rico
Conterminous U.S. + Hawaii
and Pacific Terr. 7.5' x 7.5'
U.S. Metric Series 7.5' x 7.5'
(selected areas)
U.S. Metric Series 7.5' x 15'
(selected areas)
USGS/DMA 15' x 15'
Alaska Series
County Format Series
Counterminous U.S. 30' x 60'
U.S. 1° x 2°
State Map Series
•U.S. (IMW)
U.S. Sectional Series
Antarctica
Orthophotoquads
Land Use/Land Cover
National Park Series
Aerial Photography (NHAP)
Aerial Photography (NAPP)
Primary
1:20,000
1:24,000
1:25,000
1:25,000
1:63,360
1:24,000
(1:63,360
Alaska)
Intermediate
1-120,000
1:50,000
1:50,000
1:100.000
1:100,000
1:100,000
(proposed)
1:80,000 B/W
1:56,000 CIR
1:40.000 CIR
Small
1:240,000
1:250,000
1:500,000
1:1,000,000
1:2,000,000
1:250,000
1-500,000
1:250,000
Special
1:25,000
Various
Various
Aerial Photography (project) Range: 1:15,000 to 1:40,000
Satellite Image Maps
Satellite Image Maps
National Atlas Separates
International Maps of the World
World Maps
Exclusive Economic Zone
Alaska Map A, B, C
Side Looking Airborne Radar
Topographic Bathymetric
* National Base Map Series
1-24,000
1:50,000
1:100,000
1:100,000
1:250,000
1:7,500,000
1:1,000,000
1:250,000
1:250,000
1-500,000
1:2,500,000
1-3.168,000
1:5,000,000
1:6,000,000
1:7,000,000
1:10,000,000
1:11,875,000
1:16,500,000
Various
Various
Various
Source Part of this information is from USGS Circular 900, Guide to Obtaining USGS Information, 1986
•Digital data available in Compact Disc/Read Only Memory (CD-ROM), floppy disks, and tapes
3-58
-------
Table 3-6. Summary Listing of Map Products Available from USGS
(Continued)
Scale
Ditigal Data
Boundaries Digital Line Graphs
Transportation Digital Line Graphs
Hydrography Digital Line Graphs
Public Land Survey System
Digital Line Graphs
Hypsograhy (contours)
Digital Line Graphs
Land Use/Land Cover DLG
State Map Prototype Project
DLG
Digital Elevation Models
(DEM)
Other Significant
Manmade Structures DLG
Vegetative Surface Cover DLG
Non-Vegetative Surface
Cover DLG
Survey Control DLG
Geographic Names
Scale of Source Map
1:24,000
1.63,360
1-24,000
1-63,360
1:24,000
1:63,366
1 24,000
1-63,360
1-24,000
1-63,360
1-24,000
1:24,000
1:24,000
1:24,000
1:24,000
1 24,000
1-100,000
1:100,000
1-100,000
1.100,000
1.100,000
1 63,360
1-100,000
1:2,000,000
1-2,000,000
1:2,000,000
1.250,000
1-500,000
Map Publications
Geologic
Antarctic Geologic Maps (A Series)
Coal Investigations Maps (C Series)
Geologic Maps of Planets and Moons
(in 1 Series)
Geologic Quadrangle Maps (GO Series)
Geophysical Investigations Maps (GP Series)
Marine Geology Atlas (in 1 Series)
Miscellaneous Field Studies Maps
(MF Series)
Mineral Investigations Resource Maps
(MR Series)
Miscellaneous Investigations Series (1 Series)
Oil and Gas Investigations Charts (OC Series)
Oil and Gas Investigations Maps (OM Series)
Open-File Reports (OF Series)
Special geologic maps (no series)
State geologic maps (no series)
Alaska Massachusetts North Dakota
Arizona Montana Oklahoma
Arkansas Nevada South Dakota
Colorado New Hampshire Wyoming
Kentucky New Mexico
Hydrolog
"Account
uaia iMeiv
_. . __
Flood-Pro
ic
ng Units of the National Water
vork"
ne Area Maps
Hydrologic Investigations Atlases (HA Series)
Hydrologic Unit Maps, by States
"Hydrologic Unit Map of the United States"
Open-File Reports (OF Series)
Water-Resources Investigation Reports
(WRI Series, and in OF Series)
Water Supply Papers
Professional Papers
National Water Conditions
Source Part of this information is from USGS Circular 900, Guide to Obtaining USGS Information, 1986
'Digital data available in Compact Disc/Read Only Memory (CD-ROM), floppy disks, and tapes
3-59
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All of USGS' holdings on its Automated Library System (LS-2000) are included on a CD/ROM which is dis-
tributed by Online Computer Library Center in Dublin, Ohio. A listing of all geologic maps is also available
on the disk in the GEOINDEX system. A bibliography of USGS contributions to earth science literature is
also available from the American Geological Institute on the CD/ROM entitled GEOREF.
There are some minimum types of information that must be determined or selected by the map user in
order that a valuable request for a new map be transmitted to USGS. At a minimum, the user must consider
and select the following:
• Geographic location, and extent, of interest
(coordinates/quadrangle);
• Mapping scale desired for each location (necessary level
of detail);
Data type/layer and sources (which data and where is it);
Availability of data (existing versus yet to be collected);
Revision frequency (expiration of data value);
Intended use of map (to aid in USGS evaluation); and
Time constraint (when the map is needed).
The variety of maps and cartographic information provided by USGS is so extensive that these minimum
map request selections are essential for the OIRM and USGS reviews. In the sections below, general
description of USGS map series and areal coverage is presented. EPA staff desiring to submit a mapping
request to the OIRM NMRP Manager should examine these descriptions, the information presented in Chap-
ters 1, 2, and 3, and related references to avoid requesting an existing map product through OIRM.
Requests for USGS maps may result in (1) additions/revisions to a current map series; (2) existing carto-
graphic data composited in a new fashion to create a modified map product; or (3) additional cartographic
data for a new map product. It is'also possible to obtain unfinished or partial maps from USGS by contact-
ing the appropriate USGS offic,e. Examples of such maps are advance prints of pre-final topographic maps,
color separates from topographic maps, and feature separates from metric topographic maps.
Map revision requests should indicate the annual frequency with which EPA desires the revisions to be made
and the types of data to be revised. Preferences as to the acquisition of revised data should also be given
(e.g., the typical nondigital, photo-revision process versus the more rapid production of orthophotoquads).
3.5.1 The National Mapping Division
The Primary Mapping Program is dedicated to the production and revision of the 7.5-minute (1:24,000 scale)
topographic maps for the conterminous United States and Hawaii, plus the 15-minute (1:63,360 scale) topo-
graphic maps for Alaska. At the present, not all States have been completely mapped. However, it is the
intent of this USGS Program to do so, and'a schedule has been formalized to complete the effort by 1991.
The intermediate- and small-scale mapping activities include the preparation of 1:50,000, 1:100,000, and
1:250,000 series maps. Of these maps, the small-scale map series at 1:250,000 has been completed and
has begun a cycle of revision. Completion of the 1:100,000 scale map series is scheduled for Fiscal Year
1995. The 1:50:000 scale map series is produced on an as-needed basis with the majority of requests
originating from the Defense Mapping Agency. The 1:50,000 and 1:100,000 scale maps series are also pro-
duced on a cost-share basis in a county map format. The type of information needed for NMD to comply
with EPA requests and evaluate those requests have been identified to provide a maximum amount of detail.
The summary below is based on "Instructions for Submitting Cartographic and Digital Data Requirements"
(USGS 1988a) and consists primarily of standard product availability information.
Topographic Maps. Requests for additional maps from an existing series should be related to NMD cur-
rent mapping programs by using the indices in Table 3-7. Requests for new primary quadrangle maps
(1:24,000) are no longer being accepted since that program is scheduled for completion within 2 years. How-
ever, revision requests may be made. The production of intermediate-scale (1:100,000) planimetric maps has
been completed, and therefore USGS is now preparing the intermediate-scale topographic maps which are
scheduled for completion in the mid-1990s. Requests are being accepted for priorities on the production of,
and revision to incomplete versions of, those topographic maps. Small-scale mapping of the United States
has been completed. Revisions to the following map series are being accepted: 1:250,000 scale topographic
maps, State Base Map Series, and the U.S. base maps.
Digital Cartographic Data. Base map production of digital data is in progress. Production is controlled to
yield maps produced at standard scales, accuracies, and with standard computer formats. The categories of
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data currently being digitized at the 1:24,000 and 1:100,000 scales are the Public Land Survey System,
boundaries, transportation, elevation data, and hydrography. Digitization at the 1:250,000 scale is being con-
ducted for the following data categories: census tracts, land use and land cover, political boundaries, hydro-
logic units, and Federal land ownership. Digital data are available from the National Digital Cartographic
Data Base which contains digital line graphs (DLGs) and digital elevation models (OEMs). For digital map-
ping requests the following items are required by NMD: data categories needed, source maps' scale, geo-
graphic location, and EPA's priority.
Digital Line Graphs (DLGs) and Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) are available at selected scales. The list-
ing of scales and map content is provided in Table 3-9. Many of the small-scale land use and land cover
maps have been digitized and requests for production priority are being accepted.
Land Use and Land Cover Mapping. Land use and land cover mapping is complete at small scales of
1:100,000 and 1:250,000 within the conterminous United States and Hawaii. Interim mapping of Alaska is
being conducted.
Production of these maps at other scales will be dependent on Federal agency requests. Interested staff
should review the land use and land cover index for product availability at other scales.
Special Map and Aerial Photography Products. The NMD makes special map products such as
orthophotoquads (discussed in Section 3.2) at scales of 1:24,000 for the conterminous United States and
Hawaii, and 1:63,360 for Alaska. Side-Looking Airborne Radar (SLAR) image maps are produced at
1:250,000 scale. However, NMD is to be contacted regarding SLAR since the data collection is
mission-specific.
Over 6 million frames of photography have been acquired between 1940 and the present. Current pro-
grams include the National Aerial Photography Program (NAPP) which is a coordinated effort of several Fed-
eral agencies to acquire high-resolution, aerial photographic coverage of the United States from an elevation
of 20,000 feet. This program began in 1987, will continue operation until 1991, and will replace the National
High Altitude Photography Program (NHAP). Recent photographs, generated from NAPP, are at a scale of
1:40,000 and centered on a quarter section of a 7.5-minute quadrangle. The planned revision cycle is 5
years. The previous photography program, NHAP, generated maps at a scale of 1:80,000 in black and white,
and 1:58,000 in color-infrared from an elevation of 40,000 feet. Complete national coverage is available for
the NHAP series.
Nonstandard Map Products. Some very large-scale maps have been produced under cost—or work-share
with the USGS. These very large-scale maps have primarily been 1:12,000 scale orthophotoquads.
3.5.2 The Geologic Division
Objective A.4 of the National Geologic Mapping Program is to "Solicit through meetings and questionnaires,
the geologic map needs of other government agencies" (USGS 1987-Circular 1020).
Geologic Division mapping capabilities include several standard geologic map series (Section 3.3). Geo-
logic map coverage is most comprehensive at the smaller scales where it is complete for the 1:2,500,000
scale (USGS 1987b). At the 1:62,500 scale about 30 percent of the United States has been covered. Geo-
logic maps using the 7.5-minute quadrangle as a base (1:24,000 scale) have been completed for approxi-
mately 11 percent of the United States (USGS 1987b).
Details of geologic map product availability are not presented in this manual. To determine whether the
desired geologic map is available, contact the Geologic Inquiries Group at (703) 648-4383. Alternatively:
(1) Use the nearest GD regional library and examine the
index and publications list contained within the series of
reports titled, "Publications of the United States Geolog-
ical Survey."
(2) Within each State listing, find the location of interest.
(3) Obtain the map number from this report and order the
geologic map. This report series has nine volumes which
cover the period 1879-1978. If the location of interest
is not listed, then the map may not yet be available for
purchase and a request for a geologic map for that loca-
tion may then be made. Please contact GD to confirm
availability (Appendix E).
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Table 3-7. National Mapping Division's Program Status Maps and Indices
1. Index to Digital Line Graph (DLG) and Digital Elevation Model (DEM) Data
2. Status and Progress of Topographic Mapping (7.5- and 15-minutes series)
3. Index to Orthophotoquad Mapping (monocolor 7.5-minute quadrangle format)
4. Index to Intermediate-scale Mapping (includes county formats)
5. Index to USGS/DMA 1:50,000-scale topographic maps (with terrain data)
6. Index to Small-Scale Maps of the United States (quadrangles, sectionals, states, U.S. maps)
7. Index to Land Use and Land Cover Information (digital data included)
8. Index to National High-Altitude Photography I and II (color infrared plus black and white for winter and
growth seasons)
9. Index to Side-Looking Airborne Radar (SLAR) Acquisition Program
10. Index to USGS Topographic Map Coverage of National Park System
11. Index to Multi-year National Aerial Photography Acquisition Program
Table 3-& Listings of USGS Maps and Associated Prices
Topographic, Image, and Related Maps
Standard Topographic Quadrangles
(7 5 minute- 1 24,000. 1 25,000,
1.5 x I5mmute-l'25,000;
15 mmute-1 50,000, 1 62,500, 1 63,360)
National Atlas Separates
1 100,000 Maps
1 250,000 Maps
International Map of the World (per sheet)
(1 1,000,000) U S sheets only
Alaska Boundary Series Maps (1 250,000)
Alaska Federal Conservation Map
County Maps (1 50,000, 1 100.000)
(per sheet)
State Maps
No contours, black only (per sheet)
(1:1,000,000)
No contours, black and blue,
plammetnc (1 500,000)
No contours, multicolor, (per sheet)
planimctnc (1 500.000)
Topographic or shaded relief (per sheet)
1500,000
The World (DMA physical relief map)
(1 30,000,000)-single sheet
56" x 42"
(1 22,000,000)-3 sheets (set)
S3 60 per sheet, 74" x 55" assembled
(1 l4,000.000)-6 sheets (sets)
$6.00 per sheet, 9'8 5" x 712"
Political Map of the World
(1 -40,000,000) 41" x 22"
The World (outline map)
(140,000,000)48" X33"
(1 •80,000,000) 25' x 18'
World Seismicity Map
(1 39,000,000) 48" x 36"
National Park Maps
Coastal Ecological Inventory Maps
Antarctic Topographic maps 2.40 to 4 00
Satellite Image Maps 2 50 to 7 00
USGS Price
$250
3 10
3 10
400
400
250
400
400
3 10
3 10
400
400
430
1080
3600
3 10
3 10
1 70
310
400
400
Topographic, Image, and Related Maps
US Base Maps
2-A (1 2,500,000) 5 colors, (set)
including buff land tint,
Slate & county boundaries
2-B (1 2,500,000) same as 2-A (set)
except 4 colors and no land tint
3-A (1 3,168,000) 3 colors,
State boundaries, National parks
& forests
3-B (1 3,168,000) same as 3-A
except 7 colors & historical boundaries
6-A (1 6,000,000) 4 colors, Slate
boundaries, National parks, roads &
railroads, Alaska and Hawaii shown in
correct geographical location
7-A (1 7,000,000) 2 colors, Stale
boundaries, 48 States only
8-A &1 8,300,000) 6 colors,
State boundaries, routes of
U S explorers
10-A (1 10,000,000)
same content as 6-A
ll-A (1 11,875,000) 2 colors.
State boundaries, 48 States only
16-A (1 16.500,000)
same content as 1 1-A
U S Contour Map
7-B (1 7.000.000) 3 colors.
Slate boundaries, 48 States only,
contours
US Outline Map
5-E (1 5,000.000) 1 color, State
boundaries only
U S Physical Divisions Map
7-C (1 7,000,000) 3 colors. Slate
boundaries, 48 States only, physical
divisions shown in red
North America Map
10-B (1 10,000,000) 2 colors
USGS Price
$610
610
3 10
400
400
240
240
3 10
120
70
240
190
240
3 10
Thematic Maps
Hydrologtc Unit Map
of (State)
Hydrologic Unit Map of U S
Basement Rock Map of U S
Basement Rock Map of North America
Bouguer Gravity Anomaly Map of U S
Coal Fields of U S
Coal Fields of Alaska
Fold and Thrust Belts of U S
Geologic Map of (Selected States)
Geothcrmal Gradient Map of N A
Preliminary Melallogenic
Map of N A
Subsurface Temperature Map
Tectonic Map of North America
World Seismiciry Map
GQ's Geologic Quadrangles
MF's Miscellaneous Field Studies
I's Miscellaneous Investigations
HA's Hydrologic Investigations
C's Coal Investigations
MR's Mineral Investigations-
Resource
OC's Oil and Gas Investigations-
Chans
OM's Oil and Gas Investigations-
Maps
L's Land Use Maps
A's Antarctic Geologic Maps
USGS Price
$2 10 to $7 30
(set) 6 10
(set) 6 10
2 10
1 90
430
360
(set) 9 90
7 30 to 16 90
790
(set) 12 00
(set) 7 90
(set) 9 90
3 10
360
Vanes
Vanes
Vanes
Vanes
Vanes
Vanes
Vanes
Vanes
Vanes
Vanes
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Table 3-8. (Continued)
Digital Elevation Model (DEM)
A Large Scale (1 24,00075' x 7 5' unit
B Small Scale (1 250.000) 1 ° X 1" unit (DMA Arc Second)
Digital Une Graph (DLG)
A Large Scale (1 24,0001 \ 62.500) 7 5' x 7 51 and 15' x IS' units
U S Public Land Survey
Boundaries
Transportation
Land Use and Land Cover
Intermediate/Small Scale (1 100,000/1 250,000) 30' x 60' and 1 " x 2* unit
Land Use and Land Cover
Census TtacK
Political Units
Hydrologic Units
Federal Land Ownership
Composite Gnd Cell
Hydrography
Hypsography
B Intermediate Scale (1 100.000} 30' X 30' unit
U S Public Land Survey
Boundaries
Transportation
Hydrography
Hypsography
••Sample Daia (30' x 60' unit)
C Small Scale (1 2.000.000) Sectional unit
Boundaries
Transportation
Hydrography
Geographic Name, Information System (GNIS)
A Slate
B Populated Places in Hie U S
C Topographic Map Names
O Concise (abridged U S )
E Custom Search— call for price
"The 1 100,000-scale DLG SAMPLE units (transportation and hydrography categories
only) for the Chickamauga, GA-AL-TN quadrangle is available for a total cost of S25
To order maps, call l-800-USA-MAPS
USGS Price
Purchase prices and availability are subject to change. This information is current as
of Summer 1989.
Number of units per order Total price
1 $ 40
2 60
3 80
4 100
5 120
\
Prices for orders of six or more units consist of a base charge of 190 plus $7 per unit.
Special handling may require additional charges that will be detailed upon request
A single tape maj contain more than one product type.
In Washington, OC call FTS 959-6045
Table 3-9. Listing of DLG and DEM Scales and Content
DLG Scale
1 -2,000,000
1:250,000
1:24,000 (under production)
DEM Scale
1:24,000 (derived)
Content
boundaries, transportation, hydrography
land use and land cover, census tracts, political boundaries, hydrologic units
public land survey system data, boundaries, transportation, hydrography,
contours
Content
terrain elevations from 30-m grid using 1:24,000-scale topographic maps
as base
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3.5.3 Water Resources Division
The WRD provides interpretive investigations that include hydrologic maps and hydrogeologic maps. These
maps use planimetric or topographic map bases, while the hydrogeologic map may also include thematic
information on geology. In addition, WRD collects a wide variety of data that are suitable for spatial analysis
(Section 3.4). WRD publications contain a wide variety of hydrologic maps: the large-scale versions are
maintained in the WRD office which authored the publication.
The reports and maps produced by WRD are published as part of Professional Papers, Water Supply
Papers, Water Resource Investigation Reports, Hydrologic Atlases (HA), Flood-Prone Area Maps, and Open-
File Reports. The only numbered map series are the Hydrologic Atlases. Refer to Section 3.4.5 for greater
details on hydrologic maps.
Contact your local WRD District or the office located close to your area of interest for assistance (see
Appendix C). The USGS Public Inquiries Office recommends that the following general procedure be used to
determine product availability:
(1) Use the nearest WRD regional office library and exam-
ine the index and publications list contained within the
series of reports titled, "Publications of the United States
Geological Survey."
(2) Within each State listing, find the location of interest.
(3) Obtain the map number from this report and order the
WRD map.
This USGS report series has nine volumes which cover the period 1879-1987. If the location of interest is
not listed, then the map is not yet available for purchase and a request for a hydrologic or hydrogeologic
map may then be made.
3.6 Conclusion
This chapter has presented a detailed description of the three technical USGS Divisions and their mapping-
related activities. The information has been provided in sufficient detail for EPA map users to preliminarily
investigate likely options, and to develop a set of questions for use in refining their mapping needs. Use of
the cartographic information sources described in Appendices C, D, E, and F is recommended. In addition,
the EPA and USGS contacts in Appendices A, B, and C are willing and able to assist in the determination of
EPA mapping needs.
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REFERENCES
Braddock, William A., Connor, Jon J., and Swann, Gordan A. Producers of the Geologic Map of Laporte
Quadrangle, Colorado.
Ellefson, B.R., Rury, K.S., and Krohelski, J.T., 1988. Water Use in Wisconsin (1985) map.
EPA. 1987a. Agency Operating Guide FY 1988. Compiled by the Office of Policy, Planning and Evaluation.
March.
EPA. 1987b. Municipal Facility/Waterbody Computerized Information. An introduction. OWRS/Office of
Municipal Pollution Control.
Franks et al., 1968, as appeared in the National Water Survey, 1986.
Hirsch, R.M., Alley, W.M., and Wilber, W.G., 1988. Concepts for a National Water-Quality Assessment Pro-
gram: U.S. Geological Survey Circular 1021, 42 pp.
Hitt, K.J, compiler, 1985. Surface-water and related-land resources development in the United States and
Puerto Rico: U.S. Geological Survey special map, scale 1:3,168,000.
Krause, R.E., and Randoph, R.B., 1987. Hydrology of the Floridian aquifer system in southwest Georgia and
adjacent parts of Florida and South Carolina: USGS Professional Paper 1463-D.
Krothe, N.C., Oliver, J.W., and Weeks, J.B., 1982. Dissolved solids and sodium in water from the High
Plains aquifer in parts of Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and
Wyoming. U.S. Geological Survey Hydrologic Investigation Atlas, HA-658. U.S. Geological Survey Profes-
sional Paper 1400-B.
LeBlanc, D.R., 1984. Sewage plume in a sand and gravel aquifer, Cape Cod, MA: USGS Water-Supply
Paper 2218, 28 pp.
McNeal, J.M., Undated. Environmental Geochemistry Program. United States Geological Survey. Unpub-
lished. 2 pp.
National Research Council. 1987. Geologic Mapping in the U.S. Geological Survey: National Academy Press,
Washington, D.C. 22 pp.
National Research Council. 1988. Geologic mapping future needs. National Academy Press, Washington,
D.C. 84 pp.
Rainwater, 1982, provided concentration map before modifications; sediment-discharge data compiled by
R.S. Parker and R.H. Meade from files of the U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and
the International Boundary and Water Commission.
Seaber, P.R., Kapmos, F.P., and Knapp, G.L., 1984. State hydrologic unit maps: U.S. Geological Survey
Open-File Report 84-708, 198 pp.
Smith and Alexander, 1983. A statistical summary of data from the USGS national water quality networks:
USGS Open-File Report 83-533, 30 pp.
Thompson, Morris M. 1988. Maps for America. Third Edition. United States Geological Survey. 265 pp.
Thurman, E.M., Barber, L.B., and Ceazan, M.L., 1984. Sewage contaminants in ground water, in LeBlanc,
D.R. (ed), Movement and fate of solutes in a plume of sewage-contaminated ground water, Cape Cod,
MA—USGS toxic waste ground-water contamination program: USGS Open-File Report 84-475,
pp. C47-C87.
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USGS. 1986. Water Resources Division in the 1980s, A Summary of Activities and Programs of the U.S.
Geological Survey's Water Resources Division Circular 1005. 80 pp.
USGS. 1986a. The United States Geological Survey Yearbook Fiscal Year 1985. U.S. Government Printing
Office. 143 pp.
USGS. 1986b. Organization, Programs and Activities of the Geologic Division. Circular 1000. 26 pp.
USGS. 1986c. Water Resources Information Guide. Water Resources Division. 19 pp.
USGS. I987a. The United States Geological Survey Yearbook Fiscal Year 1986. U.S. Government Printing
Office. 145 pp.
USGS. 1987b. National Geologic Mapping Program Goals Objectives and Long-Range Plans. Circular 1020.
29pp.
USGS. 1987c. Water Resources Activities of the USGS. Open File Report 87-111. 78 pp.
USGS. 1988. Water Resources Information Guide. Water Resources Division. 17 pp.
USGS and National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration. 1978. Coastal Mapping Handbook.
M.E. Ellis (Ed.). U.S. Government Printing Office. 197 pp.
USGS. National Water Summary 1984: Hydrologic Events Selected Water-Quality Trends and Ground-Water
Resources. USGS Water-Supply Paper 2275. 467 pp.
USGS. National Water Summary 1985: Hydrologic Events and Surface-Water Resources. USGS Water-
Supply Paper 2300. 506 pp.
USGS. National Water Summary 1986: Hydrologic Events and Ground-Water Quality. USGS Water-Supply
Paper 2325. 560 pp.
USGS. Undated. U.S. Geological Survey: Earth Science in the Public Service. Pamphlet. 28 pp.
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Glossary
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GLOSSARY
accuracy Degree of conformity with a standard.
Accuracy relates to the quality of a result and is distin-
guished from precision which relates to the quality of
the operation by which the result is obtained.
adjustment Process designed to remove incon-
sistencies in measured or computed quantities by
applying derived corrections to compensate for random
or accidental errors.
adjustment, land-line Positioning land lines on a
map to indicate their true, theoretical, or approximate
location relative to the adjacent terrain and culture, by
reconciling the information shown on Bureau of Land
Management plats and field records with the ground
evidence of the location of the lines.
adjustment, standard-accuracy Adjustment of a sur-
vey resulting in values for positions and (or) elevations
that comply with the National Map Accuracy Standards.
aerotriangulation (bridging) The process of develop-
ing a network of horizontal and (or) vertical positions
from a group of known positions using direct or indi-
rect measurements from aerial photographs and
mathematical computations
alidade Instrument, or part of an instrument, for deter-
mining direction, either horizontal or vertical. In its sim-
plest form, a peepsight or telescope mounted on a
straightedge and used for plotting directions graphi-
cally. In such instruments as transits and theodolites,
the alidade is the part containing the telescope and its
attachments.
altimeter Instrument for measuring altitudes or ele-
vations with respect to a reference level, usually mean
sea level. The most common type is an aneroid barom-
eter. A radar altimeter determines the height of an air-
craft above the terrain by measuring the time required
for an electromagnetic pulse to travel from aircraft to
the ground and back.
azimuth Horizontal direction reckoned clockwise from
the meridian plane.
backshore Part of a beach that is usually dry and is
reached only by the highest tides; by extension, a nar-
row strip of relatively flat coast bordering the sea.
base map See map, base.
bathymetric map See map, bathymetric.
bathymetry Science of measuring water depths
(usually in the ocean) to determine bottom topography.
beach (seabeach) Zone of unconsolidated material
that extends landward from the low water line to the
place where there is marked change in material or
physiographic form, or to the line of permanent vege-
tation (usually the effective limit of storm waves). A
beach includes foreshore and backshore.
bench mark Relatively permanent material object,
natural or artificial, bearing a marked point whose ele-
vation above or below an adopted datum is known.
boundary monument Material object placed on or
near a boundary line to preserve and identify the loca-
tion of the boundary line on the ground.
boundary survey Survey made to establish or to
reestablish a boundary line on the ground, or to obtain
data for constructing a map or plat showing a bound-
ary line.
cadastral map See map, cadastral.
cadastral survey Survey relating to land boundaries,
made to create units suitable for title transfer or to
define the limitations of title. Derived from "cadastre"
meaning a register of land quantities, values, and
ownerships used for levying taxes, the term "cadas-
tral survey" is used to designate the surveys of the pub-
lic lands of the United States. Although the term may
properly be applied to surveys of a similar nature out-
side the public lands, such surveys are more commonly
called "land surveys" or "property surveys."
cartography Science and art of making maps and
charts. The term may be taken broadly as comprising
all the steps needed to produce a map: planning, aer-
ial photography, field surveys, photogrammetry, edit-
ing, color separation, and multicolor printing.
Mapmakers, however, tend to limit use of the term to
the map-finishing operations, in which the master man-
uscript is edited and color separation plates are pre-
pared for lithographic printing.
chain Unit of length equal to 66 feet, used especially
in the U.S. public land surveys. The original measur-
ing instrument (Gunter's chain) was literally a chain
consisting of 100 iron links, each 7.92 inches long.
Steel-ribbon tapes began to supersede chains around
1900, but surveying tapes are often still called "chains"
and measuring with a tape is often called "chaining."
The chain is a convenient unit in cadastral surveys
because 10 square chains = 1 acre.
chart Special-purpose map designed for navigation
or to present specific data or information. The term
"chart" is applied chiefly to maps made primarily for
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nautical and aeronautical navigation, and to maps of
the heavens, although the term is sometimes used to
describe other special-purpose maps.
chart, aeronautical Chart designed to meet require-
ments of aerial navigating, produced in several series,
each on a specified map projection and differing in
scale, format, and content, for use as dictated by type
of aircraft and whether flight is to be conducted under
visual or instrument flight rules.
chart, bathymetric See map, bathymetric.
chart, nautical Representation of a portion of the
navigable waters of the Earth and adjacent coastal
areas on a specified map projection and designed
specifically to meet requirements for marine navigation.
Included on most nautical charts are depths of water,
characteristics of the bottom, elevations of selected
topographic features, general configuration and
characteristics of the coast, the shoreline (usually the
mean high water line), dangers, obstructions and aids
to navigation, limited tidal data, and information about
magnetic variation in the charted area.
choropleth map See map, choropleth.
clinometric map See map, slope.
color separation Process of preparing a separate
drawing, engraving, or negative for each color required
in the printing production of a map or chart.
compilation Preparation of a new or revised map or
chart, or portion thereof, from existing maps, aerial pho-
tographs, field surveys, and other sources.
continuous tone Image not broken into dots by pho-
tographic screen; contains unbroken gradient tones
from black to white, and may be either in negative or
positive form. Aerial photographs are examples of
continuous-tone prints. Contrasted with halftone
(screened) and line copy.
contour Imaginary line on the ground, all points of
which are at the same elevation above or below a speci-
fied datum.
contour interval Difference in elevation between two
adjacent contours.
control, mapping Points of established position or
elevation, or both, which are used as fixed references
in positioning and correlating map features. Funda-
mental control is provided by stations in the national
networks of triangulation and traverse (horizontal con-
trol) and leveling (vertical control). Usually it is neces-
sary to extend geodetic surveys, based on the
fundamental stations, over the area to be mapped, to
provide a suitable density and distribution of control
points.
Supplemental control points are those needed to
relate the aerial photographs used for mapping with the
system of ground control. These points must be posi-
tively photo-identified; that is, the points on the ground
must be positively correlated with their images on the
photographs.
control station Point on the ground whose position
(horizontal or vertical) is known and can be used as a
base for additional survey work.
coordinates Linear and (or) angular quantities that
designate the position of a point in relation to a given
reference frame.
coordinates, origin of Point in a system of coor-
dinates which serves as the zero point in computing
the system's elements or in prescribing its use.
culture Features constructed by man that are under,
or, or above the ground which are delineated on a map.
These include roads, trails, buildings, canals, sewer
systems, and boundary lines. In a broad sense, the
term also applies to all names, other identification, and
legends on a map.
datum (pi datums) In surveying, a reference system
for computing or correlating the results of surveys.
There are two principal types of datums: vertical and
horizontal. A vertical datum is a level surface to which
heights are referred. In the United States, the gener-
ally adopted vertical datum for leveling operations is
the National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929. The hor-
izontal datum is used as a reference for position. The
North American Datum of 1927 is defined by the lati-
tude and longitude of an initial point (Meade's Ranch
in Kansas), the direction of a line between this point
and a specified second point, and two dimensions that
define the spheroid. The new North American Datum
of 1983 is based on a newly defined spheroid (GRS80);
it is an Earth-centered datum having no initial point or
initial direction.
datum, national geodetic vertical See national
geodetic vertical datum of 1929.
declination In astronomy, the angular distance of a
celestial body above (north, plus) or below (south,
minus) the celestial Equator. Magnetic declination is
the angular difference between magnetic north and true
(geographic) north at the point of observation; it is not
constant but varies with time because of the "wan-
dering" of the magnetic north pole.
depth curve Line on a map or chart connecting points
of equal depth below the datum.
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diazo process Rapid method for copying documents
in which the image is developed by exposure to
ammonia.
dike Bank of earth or stone used to form a barrier,
frequently and confusingly interchanged with levee. A
dike restrains water within an area that normally is
flooded. See levee.
electronic distance measuring (EDM) devices
Instruments that measure the phase difference
between transmitted and reflected or retransmitted
electromagnetic waves of known frequency, or that
measure the round-trip transit time of a pulsed signal,
from which distance is computed.
elevation Vertical distance of a point above or below
a reference surface or datum.
ellipsoid See spheroid.
engineering map See map, engineering.
ER-55 plotter Double-projection plotting instrument
utilizing ellipsoidal reflectors for light projection.
erosion Group of natural processes including
weathering, dissolution, abrasion, corrosion, and
transportation that remove material from any part of the
earth's surface.
estuary That portion of a stream influenced by the
tide of the body of water into which it flows; an arm of
the sea at a river mouth.
feature separation Process of preparing a separate
drawing, engraving, or negative for selected types of
data in the preparation of a map or chart.
flood control map See map, flood control.
flood plain Belt of low flat ground bordering a stream
channel that is flooded when runoff exceeds the capac-
ity of the stream channel.
forestry map See map, forestry.
formlines Lines, resembling contour lines, drawn to
present a conception of the shape of the terrain with-
out regard to a true vertical datum or regular spacing.
geodesy Science concerned with the measurement
and mathematical description of the size and shape of
the Earth and its gravitational field. Geodesy also
includes the large-scale, extended surveys for deter-
mining positions and elevations of points, in which the
size and shape of the Earth must be taken into account.
geoid Figure of the Earth visualized as a mean sea
level surface extended continuously through the con-
tinents. It is a theoretically continuous surface that is
perpendicular at every point to the direction of gravity
(the plumb-line).
geologic map See map, geologic.
graticule Network of parallels and meridians on a
map or chart.
graticule, geographic System of coordinates of lati-
tude and longitude used to define the position of a point
on the surface of the Earth with respect to the refer-
ence spheroid. (Note that use of the word "grid" with
"geographic" in this application is incorrect.)
grid Network of uniformly spaced parallel lines inter-
secting at right angles. When superimposed on a map,
it usually carries the name of the projection used for
the map—that is, Lambert grid, transverse Mercator
grid, universal transverse Mercator grid.
hachure Any of a series of lines used on a map to
indicate the general direction and steepness of slopes.
The lines are short, heavy, and close together for steep
slopes; longer, lighter, and more widely spaced for gen-
tle slopes.
halftone A picture in which the gradations of light are
obtained by the relative darkness and density of tiny
dots produced by photographing the subject through
a fine screen.
high water Maximum height reached by a rising tide.
The height may be due solely to the periodic tidal forces
or it may have superimposed upon it the effects of pre-
vailing meteorological conditions. Use of the term "high
tide" is discouraged.
high water line Intersection of the land with the water
surface at an elevation of high water.
high water mark Line or mark left upon tidal flats,
beach, or alongshore objects indicating the elevation
or the intrusion of high water.
hydrographic survey Survey of a water area, with
particular reference to submarine relief, and any adja-
cent land. See oceanographic survey.
hydrography Science that deals with the mea-
surement and description of the physical features of
the oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, and their adjoining
coastal areas, with particular reference to their use for
navigation.
hydrology Scientific study of the waters of the Earth,
especially with relation to the effects of precipitation and
evaporation upon the occurrence and character of
ground water.
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hypsographic map See map, hypsographic.
hypsography Topography referred to the national
geodetic vertical datum of 1929. The science or art of
describing heights of land surfaces with reference to
this datum.
hypsometric map See map, hypsometric.
hypsometry Science or art of determining terrain
relief, by any method.
imagery Visible representation of objects and (or)
phenomena as sensed or detected by cameras,
infrared and multispectral scanners, radar, and photom-
eters. Recording may be on photographic emulsion
(directly as in a camera or indirectly after being first
recorded on magnetic tape as an electrical signal) or
on magnetic tape for subsequent conversion and dis-
play on a cathode ray tube.
infrared scanner (thermal mapper) Instrument that
detects infrared radiation and converts the detected
energy to an electrical signal for recording on photo-
graphic film or magnetic tape.
isogonic chart Chart showing isogonic lines properly
labeled with their magnetic declinations.
isogonic line Line joining points on the Earth's sur-
face having equal magnetic declination as of a given
date.
isopleth map See map, isopleth.
Kelsh plotter Double-projection plotting instrument
utilizing swinging lamps to transmit light through
contact-size diapositives (positive transparencies).
land use classification system Coding system of
categories and subcategories designed for use on a
map to designate land or water use.
land use map See map, land use.
landmark Monument or material mark or fixed object
used to designate a land boundary on the ground; any
prominent object on land that may be used to deter-
mine a location or a direction in navigation or surveying.
latitude Angular distance, in degrees, minutes, and
seconds, of a point north or south of the Equator.
lead line Line weighted with lead for making depth
soundings in water.
levee Artificial bank confining a stream channel or
limiting adjacent areas subject to flooding; an embank-
ment bordering a submarine canyon or channel, usu-
ally occurring along the outer edge of a curve.
level surface Surface which at every point is perpen-
dicular to the plumbline or the direction in which gravity
acts.
leveling Surveying operation in which heights of
objects and points are determined relative to a speci-
fied datum.
line copy (line drawing) Map copy suitable for
reproduction without the use of a screen; a drawing
composed of lines as distinguished from continuous-
tone copy.
line map See map, line.
longitude Angular distance, in degrees, minutes, and
seconds, of a point east or west of the Greenwich
meridian.
low water Minimum height reached by a falling tide.
The height may be due solely to the periodic tidal forces
or it may have superimposed upon it the effects of
meteorological conditions.
low water line Intersection of the land with the water
surface at an elevation of low water. Not to be confused
with mean low water line.
magnetic declination See declination.
map Graphic representation of the physical features
(natural, artificial, or both) of a part or the whole of the
Earth's surface, by means of signs and symbols or pho-
tographic imagery, at an established scale, on a spec-
ified projection, and with the means of orientation
indicated.
map, base Map on which information may be placed
for purposes of comparison or geographical correlation.
The term "base map" was at one time applied to a
class of maps now known as outline maps. It may be
applied to topographic maps, also termed "mother
maps," that are used in the construction of other types
of maps by the addition of particular data
map, bathymetric Map delineating the form of the
bottom of a body of water, or a portion thereof, by the
use of depth contours (isobaths).
map, cadastral Map showing the boundaries of sub-
divisions of land, often with the bearings and lengths
thereof and the areas of individual tracts, for purposes
of describing and recording ownership. It may also
show culture, drainage, and other features relating to
land use and value. See plat.
map, choropleth Thematic map in which areas are
colored, shaded, dotted, or hatched to create darker
or lighter areas in proportion to the density of distribu-
tion of the theme subject.
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map digitization Conversion of map data from
graphic to digital form.
map, engineering Map showing information that is
essential for planning an engineering project or devel-
opment and for estimating its cost. It usually is a large-
scale map of a small area or of a route. It may be
entirely the product of an engineering survey, or relia-
ble information may be collected from various sources
for the purpose, and assembled on a base map.
map, flood control Map designed for studying and
planning control projects in areas subject to flooding.
map, forestry Map prepared principally to show the
size, density, kind, and value of trees in a designated
area.
map, geologic Map showing the structure and com-
position of geologic features.
map, hypsographic Map showing relief with eleva-
tions referred to the national geodetic vertical datum
of 1929.
map, hypsometric Map showing relief by any con-
vention, such as contours, hachures, shading, or
tinting.
map, isopleth Map consisting of lines connecting
places of equal value of distribution for a given theme
such as rainfall or temperature.
map, land use Map showing by means of a coding
system the various purposes for which parcels of land
are being used by man.
map, line Map composed of lines as distinguished
from photographic imagery.
map, orthophotographic See orthophotographic
map.
map, photographic See photomap.
map, planimetric Map that presents only the hor-
izontal positions for features represented; distinguished
from a topographic map by the omission of relief in
measurable form. The features usually shown on a
planimetric map include rivers, lakes, and seas; moun-
tains, valleys, and plains; forests, and prairies; cities,
farms, transportation routes, and public utility facilities;
and political and private boundary lines. A planimetric
map intended for special use may present only those
features essential to the purpose to be served.
map projection Orderly system of lines on a plane
representing a corresponding system of imaginary lines
on an adopted terrestrial or celestial datum surface.
Also, the mathematical concept of such a system. For
maps of the Earth, a projection consists of (1) a grat-
icule of lines representing parallels of latitude and meri-
dians of longitude or (2) a grid.
map series Family of maps conforming generally to
the same specifications and designed to cover an area
or a country in a systematic pattern.
map, slope (clinometric map) Map showing the
degree of steepness of the Earth's surface by the use
of various colors or shading for critical ranges of slope.
map, soil Map that shows the constitution, structure,
and texture of the soil and identifies ongoing erosion.
map, storm evacuation Map designed to identify
coastal areas subject to flooding, to indicate recom-
mended areas of refuge, and to emphasize available
evacuation routes.
map, thematic Map designed to provide information
on a single topic, such as geology, rainfall, population.
map, topographic Map that presents the horizontal
and vertical positions of the features represented; dis-
tinguished from a planimetric map by the addition of
relief in measurable form.
marsh, coastal Area of salt-tolerant vegetation in
brackish and (or) saline-water habitats subject to tidal
inundation.
marsh, freshwater Tract of low wet ground, usually
miry and covered with rank vegetation.
mean high water Tidal datum that is the arithmetic
mean of the high water heights observed over a specific
19-year Metonic cycle (National Tidal Datum Epoch).
For stations with shorter series, simultaneous obser-
vations are made with a primary control tide station to
derive the equivalent of a 19-year value. Use of "mean
high tide" is discouraged.
mean high water line Intersection of the land with
the water surface at the elevation of mean high water.
See shoreline.
mean low water Tidal datum that is the arithmetic
mean of the low water heights observed over a spe-
cific 19-year Metonic cycle (the National Tidal Datum
Epoch). For stations with shorter series, simultaneous
observations are made with a primary control tide sta-
tion in order to derive the equivalent of a 19-year value.
Use of the synonymous term "mean low tide" is
discouraged.
mean low water line Intersection of the land with the
water surface at the elevation of mean low water.
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mean sea level Tidal datum that is the arithmetic
mean of hourly water elevations observed over a
specific 19-year Metontc cycle (the National Tidal
Datum Epoch). Shorter series are specified in the
name; that is, monthly mean sea level and yearly mean
sea level. See datum.
meanderline Metes-and-bounds traverse approx-
imately along the mean high water line of a permanent
body of water. By following the sinuosities of the bank
or shoreline, the meander line provides data for
computing the area of land remaining after the water
area has been segregated. A meander line differs from
other metes-and-bounds surveys in that it does not ordi-
narily determine or fix boundaries.
meanderable Capable of being depicted by reference
to a meander line.
meridian Great circle on the surface of the Earth
passing through the geographical poles and any given
point on the Earth's surface. All points on a given merid-
ian have the same longitude.
metes and bounds Method of describing land by
measure of length (metes) of the boundary lines
(bounds).
Metonic cycle Period of 235 lunations or about
19 years. Devised by Melon, an Athenian astronomer
(5th century B.C.) for the purpose of obtaining a period
at the end of which the phases of the Moon recur in
the same order and on the same days as in the preced-
ing cycle.
metric system Decimal system of weights and mea-
sures based on the meter as a unit length and the kilo-
gram as a unit mass.
monoscopfc Pertaining to the observation of a sin-
gle photograph or other view.
monument (surveying) Permanent physical struc-
ture marking the location of a survey point. Common
types oi monuments are inscribed metal tablets set in
concrete posts, solid rock, or parts of buildings; distinc-
tive stone posts; and metal rods driven in the ground.
mosaic, aerial Assembly of aerial photographs
whose edges usually have been torn or cut selectively
and matched to the imagery on adjoining photographs
to form a continuous representation of a portion of the
Earth's surface.
multiplex Stereoplotter of the double-projection type
characterized by its use of reduced-scale diapositives
and stationary lamphouses with condensing lenses.
multispectral scanner (MSS) Device for sensing
radiant energy in several channels of the electro-
magnetic spectrum.
national geodetic vertical datum of 1929 Reference
surface established by the U.S. Coast and Geodetic
Survey in 1929 as the datum to which relief features
and elevation data are referenced in the conterminous
United States; formerly called "mean sea level 1929."
National Map Accuracy Standards Specifications
promulgated by the U.S. Office of Management and
Budget to govern accuracy of topographic and other
maps produced by Federal agencies.
navigable waters Waters usable, with or without
improvements, as routes for commerce in the cus-
tomary means of travel on water.
neatline Line separating the body of a map from the
map margin. On a standard quadrangle map, the neat-
lines are the meridians and parallels delimiting the
quadrangle.
oceanographic survey Survey or examination of
conditions in the ocean or any part of it, with reference
to animal or plant life, chemical elements present, tem-
perature gradients, etc. See hydrographlc survey.
offshore Comparatively flat zone of variable width
that extends from the outer margin of the rather steeply
sloping shoreface to the edge of the continental shelf.
orientation Establishing correct relationship in direc-
tion with reference to points of the compass; the state
of being in correct relationship in direction with refer-
ence to the points of the compass.
origin of coordinates Point in a system of coor-
dinates that serves as a zero point in computing the
system's elements or in prescribing its use.
orthophotograph Photograph having the properties
of an orthographic projection. It is derived from a con-
ventional perspective photograph by simple or differen-
tial rectification so that image displacements caused
by camera tilt and terrain relief are removed.
orthophotographlc map Map produced by assem-
pling orthophotographs at a specified uniform scale in
a map format.
orthophotomap Orthophotographic map with con-
tours and cartographic treatment, presented in a stan-
dard format, and related to standard reference systems.
orthophotomosaic Assembly of orthophotographs
forming a uniform-scale mosaic.
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orthophotoquad Monocolor orthophotographic map
presented in a standard quadrangle format and related
to standard reference systems. It has no contours and
little or no cartographic treatment.
orthophotoscope Photomechanical device used in
conjunction with a double-projection stereoplotter for
producing orthophotographs.
overedge Any portion of a map lying outside the
nominal map border (neatline).
overlay Printing or drawing on a transparent or trans-
lucent medium intended to be placed in register on a
map or other graphic and which shows details not
appearing or requiring special emphasis on the base
material.
overprint New material printed on a map or chart to
show data of importance or special use, in addition to
those data originally printed.
parallel of latitude A circle, or approximation of a cir-
cle, on the surface of the Earth, parallel to the Equa-
tor, and connecting points of equal latitude; a circle of
the celestial sphere parallel to the ecliptic, and connect-
ing points of equal celestial latitude.
photogrammetry Science or art of obtaining reliable
measurements or information from photographs or
other sensing systems.
photomap (photographic map) Map made by
adding marginal information, descriptive data, and a
reference system to a photograph or assembly of
photographs.
plain Region of uniform general slope, comparatively
level, of considerable extent, and not broken by marked
elevations and depressions (it may be an extensive val-
ley floor or a plateau summit); an extent of level or
nearly level land; a flat, gently sloping, or nearly level
region of the sea floor.
planetable Instrument consisting essentially of a
drawing board on a tripod and some type of sighting
device (alidade) with attached straightedge, used for
plotting the lines of survey directly from observation in
the field.
planimetric map See map, planimetric.
planimetry Plan details of a map—those having no
indications of relief or contour.
plat Diagram drawn to scale showing all essential
data pertaining to the boundaries and subdivisions of
a tract of land, as determined by survey or protraction.
As used by the Bureau of Land Management, the draw-
ing which represents the particular area included in a
survey, such as township, private land claim, or mineral
claim, and the lines surveyed, established, or retraced,
showing the direction and length of each such line; the
relation to the adjoining official surveys; the boundaries,
descriptions, and area of each parcel of land sub-
divided; and, as nearly as may be practicable, a
representation of the relief and improvements within the
limits of the survey.
prime meridian Meridian of longitude 0°, used as the
origin for measurements of longitude. The meridian of
Greenwich, England, is the internationally accepted
prime meridian on most charts. However, local or
national prime meridians are occasionally used.
projection, map. See map projection.
public land system Public lands are subdivided by
a rectangular system of surveys established and regu-
lated by the Bureau of Land Management. The stan-
dard format for subdivision is by townships measuring
6 piles (480 chains) on a side. Townships are further
subdivided into 36 numbered sections of 1 square mile
(640 acres) each.
quad-centered photograph Middle exposure of a
phototriplet (three consecutive aerial photographs)
taken so that the middle photograph is exposed directly
above the center of the quadrangle and the preceding
and following photographs are exposed directly above
the boundaries of the quadrangle. The flying height is
set such that the quad-centered photograph covers the
entire quadrangle.
quadrangle Four-sided area, bounded by parallels of
latitude and meridians of longitude used as an area unit
in mapping (dimensions are not necessarily the same
in both directions). Also, a geometric figure of sig-
nificance in geodetic surveying.
radial-line plotting Determination of the location of
points by successive intersection and resection of direc-
tion lines radiating from the radial centers of overlap-
ping aerial photographs.
rectification, differential The process of scanning
and reprojecting a photograph onto a horizontal plane
in differential elements to remove displacements
caused by tilt and relief. The process may be accom-
plished by any one of a number of instruments devel-
oped specifically for the purpose.
rectification, simple Projection of an aerial photo-
graph (mathematically, graphically, or photographically)
from its plane onto a horizontal plane by translation,
rotation, and (or) scale change to remove displacement
due to tilt of the camera.
relief Elevations and depressions of the land or sea
bottom.
G-7
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relief shading Technique for making hypsography on
a map appear three dimensional by the use of graded
shadow effects. Generally, the features are shaded as
though illuminated from the northwest.
remote sensing Process of detecting and (or)
monitoring chemical or physical properties of an area
by measuring its reflected and emitted radiation.
representative fraction Scale of a map or chart
expressed as a fraction or ratio that relates unit distance
on the map to distance measured in the same unit on
the ground.
reproduction Summation of all the processes
involved in printing copies from an original drawing. A
printed copy of an original drawing made by the
processes of reproduction.
scale Relationship existing between a distance on a
map, chart, or photograph and the corresponding dis-
tance on the Earth.
sea level (water level) Height of the surface of the
sea at any time.
section Unit of subdivision of a township; normally
a quadrangle 1 mile square with boundaries conform-
ing to meridians and parallels within established limits,
and containing 640 acres as nearly as practicable.
sensor Technical means, usually electronic, to
extend man's natural senses by detecting emitted or
reflected energy. The energy may be nuclear, elec-
tromagnetic (including the visible and invisible portions
of the spectrum), chemical, biological, thermal, or
mechanical.
shoreline Intersection of the land with the water sur-
face. The shoreline shown on charts represents the line
of contact between the land and a selected water ele-
vation. In areas affected by tidal fluctuations, this line
of contact is usually the mean high water line. In con-
fined coastal waters of diminished tidal influence, the
mean water level line may be used.
slope map. See map, slope.
soil map See map, soil.
spheroid Mathematical figure closely approaching
the geoid in form and size and used as a surface of
reference for geodetic surveys. A reference spheroid
or ellipsoid is a spheroid determined by revolving an
ellipse about its shorter (polar) axis and used as a base
for geodetic surveys of a large section of the Earth
(such as the Clarke spheroid of 1866 which is used for
geodetic surveys in the United States).
spot elevation Point on a map or chart whose height
above a specified datum is noted, usually by a dot or
a small sawbuck and elevation value. Elevations are
shown, on a selective basis, for road forks and inter-
sections, grade crossings, summits of hills, mountains
and mountain passes, water surfaces of lakes and
ponds, stream forks, bottom elevations in depressions,
and large flat areas.
stadia Technique of distance measurement wherein
the observer reads the intercept subtended on a grad-
uated rod between two marks on the reticle of the
telescope.
standard-accuracy adjustment See adjustment,
standard-accuracy.
state plane coordinate systems Coordinate systems
established by the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey
(now the National Ocean Survey), usually one for each
State, for use in defining positions of points in terms
of plane rectangular (x,y) coordinates.
stereocompilation Production of a map or chart
manuscript from aerial photographs and geodetic con-
trol data by means of photogrammetric instruments.
stereoplotter Instrument for plotting a map by obser-
vation of stereomodels formed by pairs of photographs.
stereoscopic Pertaining to the use of binocular vision
for observation of a pair of overlapping photographs or
other perspective views, giving the impression of depth.
storm evacuation map See- map, storm
evacuation.
subsidence Decrease in the elevation of land surface
due to tectonic, seismic, or artificial forces, without
removal of surface material.
survey Orderly process of determining data relating
to any physical or chemical characteristics of the Earth.
The associated data obtained in a survey. An organi-
zation engaged in making a survey.
tachometer (tachymeter) Surveying instrument
designed for use in the rapid determination of distance,
direction, and difference of elevation from a single
observation, using a short base which may be an
integral part of the instrument.
thematic map See map, thematic.
theodolite Precision surveying instrument for mea-
suring horizontal and vertical angles.
tide Periodic rise and fall of the water resulting from
gravitational interactions between the Sun, Moon, and
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Earth. The vertical component of the paniculate mo-
tion of a tidal wave. Although the accompanying hori-
zontal movement of the water is part of the same
phenomenon, it is preferable to designate this motion
as tidal current.
topographic map See map, topographic.
topography Configuration (relief) of the land surface;
the graphic delineation or portrayal of that configura-
tion in map form, as by contour lines; in oceanography
the term is applied to a surface such as the sea bot-
tom or a surface of given characteristics within the
water mass.
township Unit of survey of the public lands of the
United States, normally a quadrangle approximately
6 miles on a side with boundaries conforming to merid-
ians and parallels within established limits, containing
36 sections. Also, in certain parts of the country, the
term designates a minor governmental subdivision.
transit Precision surveying instrument; a theodolite
in which the telescope can be reversed in direction by
rotation about its horizontal axis.
traverse Sequence of lengths and directions of lines
connecting a series of stations, obtained from field
measurements, and used in determining positions of
the stations.
triangulation Method of extending horizontal position
on the surface of the Earth by measuring the angles
of triangles and the included sides of selected triangles.
trilateration Method of surveying wherein the lengths
of the triangle sides are measured, usually by electronic
methods, and the angles are computed from the mea-
sured lengths. Compares with triangulation.
Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) grid Military
grid system based on the transverse Mercator pro-
jection, applied to maps of the Earth's surface extend-
ing from the Equator to 84° N. and 80° S. latitudes.
upland Highland; ground elevation above the
lowlands along rivers or between hills.
zenith telescope Instrument for observing stars near
the zenith (a point on the celestial sphere directly above
the observer's position).
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Exhibit A
EPA Mapping Request Form
-------
Exhibit A
EPA MAP AND DATA REQUEST FORM
The following instructions have been provided to assist you in completing the Map and
Data Request Form (see subsequent pages) Use one form for each request submitted. DO NOT put
multiple requests on one form! Please contact your Regional CIS coordinator to determine if the map
or data (geographic information) are currently available, or call USGS at 1-800-USA-MAPS (703-648-
6045 in the Washington D.C. area). If you require further assistance or clarification regarding any
aspect of the National Mapping Requirements Program (NMRP), please contact Jeffrey Booth,
EPA/OIRM, at (703) 883-8533, or E-MAIL at J.BOOTH EPA3767. After this form is completed and
authorized, please submit the request to:
Jeffrey Booth
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Information Resources Management
Mail Code PM-218B
401 M Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20460
(1) MAP PROJECT NAME: This is the name or title by which you refer to the project
requiring the geographic information.
(2) REQUESTED BY- Provide the name of the individual who could be contacted
regarding further clarification of the map request.
(3) AUTHORIZED BY. Provide the name of the Branch Chief or Division Chief who
has authorized this request.
(4) PHONE #: List the FTS and commercial phone numbers where the requesting
individual can be reached
(5) ORIGIN: List the Region/Laboratory and Program Office of the requesting
individual.
(6) MAIL CODE/ADDRESS: Provide the mailing address where the requesting
individual can be reached.
(7) PROJECT PURPOSE/INTENDED USE Provide a description of the project,
summarizing its purpose, objectives, and expected benefits to be derived from the
requested geographic information.
(8) TOTAL NUMBER OF QUADS REQUESTED" This is the total number of quad-
rangles requested at the scale designated from the Map Selection Tables (Table
3-6, page 3-58, 3-59) (Note: A maximum of 40 quads for each request will be
accepted)
Exhibit A-1
-------
(9) GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE: Provide an index map (available from the NMRP
Manager or Regional GIS team) or photo copy with the desired area of cover-
age^) delineated to assist in an accurate identification. List on a separate piece
of paper (or color code on index map), the names of the quadrangles in order of
highest priority (this is especially important when requesting a large number of
quadrangles).
(10) MAP REQUEST PRIORITY: Include a realistic estimate of when you will use the
requested information. This will be important to determine possible rescheduling
of the map production process or to provide an interim product for initial use.
(11) MONTH/YEAR NEEDED: Include the deadline by which you can still accept the
requested geographic information. This will assist in determining possible options
for product and/or interim generation (i.e., in-house production, cost-share, work-
share, MOU, contracting, etc.).
(12) PROJECT DURATION: Provide the effective starting date and the expected
completion date for the project.
(13) WILLING TO ACCEPT INTERIM PRODUCTS: Are you willing to accept interim
products? This will assist in determining alternative production schedules for the
creation of interim products to meet your time constraints.
(14) ESTIMATED REVISION FREQUENCY: How often do you estimate the need for
updating the map information you have requested? This will assist in evaluating
the importance EPA places upon a particular type" of geographic information.
(15) PLEASE INDICATE THE MOST APPROPRIATE CATEGORY OF THE RE-
QUESTED MAP INFORMATION:
A. BASE CARTOGRAPHIC DATA G. GROUND
B. CADASTRAL TRANSPORTATION
C. CERTAIN INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARIES H. HYDROLOGIC
AND NAMES I. SOILS
D. CULTURAL AND DEMOGRAPHIC J. VEGETATION
E. GEODETIC K. WETLANDS
F. GEOLOGIC L OTHER (Specify)
(16) SUBMISSION CRITERIA: Information on funding availability, state and other
Federal agency participation, and direct legislative or regulatory requirements will
be used to prioritize requests.
Exhibit A-2
-------
EPA MAP AND DATA REQUEST FORM Page 1 Of 7
EPA RANK
(internal use only)
Date Submitted
(1) MAP PROJECT NAME:
(2) REQUESTED BY:
(3) AUTHORIZED BY: (Branch or Division Chief Signature)
(4) PHONE NUMBER: (FTS) (COM)_
(5) ORIGIN: (Region/Lab) (Program Office)
(6) MAIL CODE/ADDRESS:
(7) PROJECT PURPOSE/INTENDED USE:
(8) TOTAL NUMBER OF QUADS REQUESTED (based upon scale in the Map Selection Tables
on page 3-58 and 3-59):
(9) GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE: (attach index map and quadrangle names list in order of highest
priority);
(10) MAP REQUEST PRIORITY: I = 1 yr , II = 1-2 yrs , III = 2-3 yrs
IV = 3-4 yrs , V = > 4 yrs
(11) MONTH/YEAR NEEDED:
(12) PROJECT DURATION: _
(13) WILLING TO ACCEPT INTERIM PRODUCTS
Exhibit A-3
-------
Page 2 of 7
(14) ESTIMATED REVISION FREQUENCY:
(15) PLEASE INDICATE THE MOST APPROPRIATE CATEGORY FOR THE REQUESTED MAP
INFORMATION (Check One):
D A. BASE CARTOGRAPHIC DATA
D B. CADASTRAL
n C. INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARIES
AND NAMES
D D. CULTURAL AND DEMOGRAPHIC
D E. GEODETIC
a F. GEOLOGIC
COMMENTS:
o G.
a H.
a I.
D J.
D K.
a L.
GROUND
TRANSPORTATION
HYDROLOGIC
SOILS
VEGETATION
WETLANDS
OTHER (Specify)
(16) SUBMISSION CRITERIA
A. IS THERE ANY COST-SHARING OR FUNDING MECHANISMS AVAILABLE IF
NECESSARY? YES _ NO _ IF YES, PLEASE DEFINE:
B.
C.
D.
ARE ONE OR MORE STATES ACTIVELY PARTICIPATING IN YOUR PROJECT?
YES_ NO_
IF YES, PLEASE LIST STATES:
ARE OTHER FEDERAL AGENCIES INVOLVED WITH YOUR PROJECT?
YES_NO_
IF YES, PLEASE LIST AGENCIES:
IS THERE A DIRECT LEGISLATIVE OR REGULATORY REQUIREMENT(S)
FOR YOUR PROJECT? YES _ NO _
IF YES, PLEASE SPECIFY:
TO SELECT A MAP PRODUCT, PLACE AN "X" IN THE APPROPRIATE
PRODUCT/SCALE BOX ON THE FOLLOWING PAGES:
Exhibit A-4
-------
Page 3 of 7
EPA National Mapping Requirements Program
Map Selection Table
Scale
GRAPHIC DATA
Conterminous U.S. and
Hawaii Quadrangles
Alaska Quadrangles
Puerto Rico. Virgin Islands,
and Pacific Territory Quadrangles
Topographic/Bathymetnc Quadrangles
Orthophotoquads
Land Use/Land Cover Quadrangles
County Maps
State Base Maps
U.S. Base Maps
National Atlas Separates
National Atlas Sectionals
Aerial Photography (NAPP)
Side Looking Airborne Radar
Satellite Image Maps
1 Puerto Rico. Virgin Islands, and Pacific Territories only
2 Selected areas In the conterminous U S and Alaska
3 Alaska only
Please check with the Regional or HQ NMRP Manager for product availability.
Upon completion and authorization, submit to: Jeffrey Booth, U.S. EPA, OIRM, Mall code PM-218B,
401 M St., SW, Washington, DC 20460
Exhibit A-5
-------
Page 4 of 7
EPA National Mapping Requirements Program
Map Selection Table
Scale
DIGITAL DATA
Boundary DLG's'
Transportation DLG's
Hydrography DLG's
Hypsography (contours) DLG's
Other Significant Manmade
Structure (culture) DLG's
Vegetative Surface Cover DLG's
Non-Vegetative Surface Features DLG's
Survey Control DLG's
Level 1 DEM'S1 (profile)
Level 2 OEM's (conversion of
hypso/hydro DLG's)
Digital Orthophotoquads
Land Use/Land Cover Digital Data
Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, and Pacific Territories only
, Selected areas In the conterminous U S. and Alaska
' Alaska only
* Digital Line Graphs
Digital Elevation Models
Source. Pan of this Information Is from USGS Circular 900. Guide to Obtaining USGS Information. 1986
Please check with the Regional or HQ NMRP Manager for product availability.
Upon completion and authorization, submit to: Jeffrey Booth, U.S. EPA, OIRM, Mall code PM-218B,
401 M St., SW, Washington, DC 20460
Exhibit A-6
-------
Page 5 of 7
EPA National Mapping Requirements Program
Map Selection Table
ScaU
GEOLOGIC
Other
Geologic Quadrangle Maps (GQ Series) 2
Miscellaneous Investigation Maps
((Series)3
Miscellaneous Field Study Maps
(MF Series) 4
Open File Maps (OF Series)5
(Special Purpose Maps '
Mineral Investigations Resource Maps
(MR Senes)
Geochemical Maps and Data
Geophysical Maps and Data (GP Series)
I
Marine Mapping and Data
Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)
Continental Margin Mapping Series
Coastal Mapping Series
Assessment Maps
Mineral Resources
Energy Resources
Earthquake Hazard
Volcano Hazards
Landslide and Subsidance
Source Part of this Information Is from USGS Circular 900, Guide to Obtaining USGS Information. 1986. and the Catalog of Maps
These maps are produced by USGS. other Individual State maps may be available from the State Geological Survey Office
1 Alaska Only
2 GQ series maps are multi-color with accompantng text and provides the greatest detail of Geologic Division Products This map may show the bedrock, surficial, or
engineering geology and Is available In 1 24.000 and 1 62.500 scales
31 series maps are multi-colored with brief accompaning text and provide good detail These maps may show
hydrogeologlc. marine geologic and other resource study data, and may be available at various scales other than standard 1 24.000
4MF series maps are available in various scales, various sizes, are in black and while, with a third color, and have less detail than the GO or the I series These
maps are preliminary reports on geologic aspects of mineral and environmental studies
OF series maps are available In various scales, various sizes, are In black and white, and have the least amount of detail of Geological Division products These
maps are preliminary draft reports
The following maps may be available in the GO. I, MF, or OF series Contact the USGS Office of Scientific Information at (703) 648-6045 lor further Information
Please check with the Regional or HQ NK7FRP Manager for product availability.
Upon completion and authorization, submit to: Jeffrey Booth, U.S. EPA, OIRM, Mail code PM-218B,
401 M St., SW, Washington, DC 20460
Exhibit A-7
-------
Page 6 of 7
EPA National Mapping Requirements Program
Map Selection Table
Scale
GEOLOGIC
Special Purpose Maps'
Coal Investigations Maps (C Series)
Antarctic Geologic Maps (A Series)
Oil and Gas Investigations Charts
(OC Series)
Oil and Gas Investigations Maps
(OM Series)
Special Geologic Maps (no series)
State Geologic Maps (no series)
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
Colorado
Kentucky
Massachusetts
Montana
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
North Dakota
Oklahoma
South Dakota
Wyoming
Source: Part of this information is from USGS Circular 900, Guide to Obtaining USGS Information, 1986.
These maps are produced by USGS, other individual State maps may be available from the State Geological Survey Office.
1 Alaska Only
2 The following maps may be available In the GO, I, MF, or OF series Contact the USGS Office of Scientific Information at (703) 648-6045 for further Information
Please check with the Regional or HQ NMRP Manager for product availability.
Upon completion and authorization, submit to: Jeffrey Booth, U.S. EPA, OIRM, Mall code PM-218B,
401 M St., SW, Washington, DC 20460
Exhibit A-8
-------
Page 7 of 7
EPA National Mapping Requirements Program
Map Selection Table
Scale
HYDROLOGIC1
Flood-Prone Area Maps
Hydrologlc Investigations Atlases
(HA Series)
Hydrologte Unit Maps, by State
Water Resources Investigation Reports3
(WRI Series, and in OF Series)
Water Supply Papers3
Sourca Port of the information n from USGS Circulai 900. Guide ID Obtaining USGS Inlorrnaion. 1988
1 Most data gathering activities conducted by the Water Resources Division are on a project specific basis. Scales may vary by project.
2 Alaska Only
3 These reports may not contain map products
Please check with the Regional or HQ NMRP Manager for product availability.
Upon completion and authorization, submit to: Jeffrey Booth, U.S. EPA, OIRM, Mall code PM-218B,
401 M St., SW, Washington, DC 20460
Exhibit A-9
-------
Appendices
-------
APPENDIX A
KEY CONTACTS FOR THE EPA
NATIONAL MAPPING REQUIREMENTS
PROGRAM
-------
APPENDIX A
KEY CONTACTS FOR THE EPA NATIONAL MAPPING REQUIREMENTS PROGRAM
NATIONAL MAPPING REQUIREMENTS PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
Jeffrey T. Booth
NMRP Manager
OIRM (PM-218B)
EPA
401 M Street, S. W.
Washington, D C 20460
703-863-8533
Thomas Oswald
Ross Lenetta
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS
GIS Coordinator
OIRM (PM-218B)
EPA
401 M Street, S W
Washington, D.C 20460
703-883-5001
REMOTE SENSIN3
Environmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory (EMSL)
Office of Acid Deposition, Environmental Monitoring
and Quality Assurance
ORD
Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
702-798-2175
FTS:545-2175
AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY
Donald Garafolo - Environmental Photographic Interpretation
Center (EPIC)
Vint Hill Farms Station
P O Box 1587, Building 166
Warrenton, Virginia 22186
703-349-3110
FTS:557-3110
Mason Hewitt
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
EMSL/ORD
944 East Harmon Avenue
Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
702-798-2377
FTS:545-2377
A-1
-------
APPENDIX B
MAPPING REQUIREMENTS USER GROUP (MRUG)
MEMBERSHIP
-------
APPENDIX B
MAPPING REQUIREMENTS USER GROUP (MRUG) MEMBERSHIP
Name and Address Telephone
Ken Andrasko 202-382-5603
OPPE FTS:382-5603
(PM-218B)
Lowell Bahner 301-266-6873
CBPO FTS:26&«873
Lany Bums FTS:250-3501
ORD/ERL-Athens
Sandy Braswell 202-382-7300
OMPC FTS:382-7300
(WH-595)
Mickey Cline 919-541-2500
OIRM, AA FTS:629-2500
(MD-34)
Thomas Curran 919-541-5467
OAR FTS:629-5467
Air Quality Planning and Standards (OAQPS)
(MD-14)
Kevin Donovan 202-475-9749
OERR FTS:475-9749
(OS-230)
Catherine Eiden 202-557-1450
OPP FTS:557-1450
Hazard Evaluation Division
(TS-769C)
Rod Frederick 202-382-7046
OWRS FTS:382-7046
Monitoring and Data Support Division
(WH-553)
Glen Galen 202-475-7370
OSW FTS:475-7370
(O5-321)
Donald Garafalo 703-349-8970
ORD/EMSL FTS:557-3110
Las Vegas (Warrenton, VA)
Environmental Photo Interpretation Center
(EPIC)
William Gill 703-883-8774
OIRM
(PM-218B)
Marilyn Ginsburg 202-475-8804
OGWP FTS:475-8804
(WH-550G)
LoreHanteke 202-475-7111
OMEP FTS:475-7111
B- 1
-------
Name and Address
Tstephorto
LorenHal)
OTS
Exposure Evaluation Division
(TS-798)
Mason Hewitt
ORD/EMSL-Laa Vegas
Roger Holtorl
OPP
(TS-768C)
Thomas Mace
ENISL-LV
EPIC
David Norwood
OAR7ORP (Montgomery, AL)
James Omemik
ORD/ERL-Corvallis
Edward Partington
OIRM
(PM-218-B)
Thomas Peake
OAR
Office of Radiation Programs
(ANR-464)
Bob Pease
OIRM
(PM-218B)
Glen Galen
OSW
Office of Program Management Support
(WH-565E)
Bill Sanville
ORD/EHL-Duluth
(OS321)
Franklin Smith
OAR, OAQPS
(EN-341)
Phil Taylor
OWRS/MDSD
(WH-553)
Larry Turner
OPP
Hazard Evaluation Division
(TS-769C)
Dennis White
ORD/ERL-Corvallis
202-382-3931
FTS:382-3931
702-798-2100
FTS:545-2377
202-557-0532
FTS:557-0532
FTS:545-2260
202-272-3402
FTS:534-7615
FTS:42(M666
202-475-9348
FTS:475-9348
202-475-9605
FTS:475-9605
202-082-2341
FTS:382-2341
202-382-4678
FTS:382-4678
218-720-5500
FTS:780-5500
202-382-2881
FTS-.382-2881
202-382-7046
FTS:382-7046
202-557-1007
FTS:557-1007
503-757-4666
FTS:42CM666
B-2
-------
REGIONS
I Michael MacDougall. Information Management
Branch
617-565-3377
FTS:835-3377
II. Andrew Bams. Water Management Division
212-264-5635
FTS:264-5635
Robert Braster, Information Resources Branch
IV. Rebecca Slack, Information Management Branch
215-597-4831
FTS:597-4831
404-347-2316
FTS:257-2316
John Anagnost, Information Management Branch
312-8864143
FTS:886-0143
VI Dave Parrish, Environmental Services Division
214-655-2289
FTS:255-2289
VII Lynn Kring, Environmental Review Branch
913-551-7456
FTS:276-7456
VIII Larry Svoboda, Environmental Services Division
302-293-5102
FTS:776-5102
IX. Cheryl Henley, Information Management Branch
415-974-7415
FTS:454-7415
X. Mat Gubitosa, Environmental Services Division
208442-1219
FTS:399-1219
B-3
-------
APPENDIX C
U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OFFICES
-------
Appendix C
U.S. Geological Survey Offices
Office
NATIONAL MAPPING DIVISION
Regional Centers
Eastern
Mid-Continent
Rocky Mountain
Western
EROS Data Center
PUBLIC INQUIRIES OFFICES
Alaska
Name
California:
Los Angeles
Menlo Park
San Francisco
Colorado
District of Columbia
Texas
Utah
Virginia
Lee Spencer
Bill Good
Lee Aggers
Bill Johnson
Wayne Rohde
E C Behrendt
Lucy E Birdsall
Bruce S Deam
Patricia A Shifter
Irene V Shy
Bruce A Hubbard
John P Donnelly
Wendy R Hassibe
Telephone
Number
(703) 648-5569
(314) 341-0896
(303) 236-5835
(415) 329-4326
ext 2411
(605) 594-6080
(907) 561-5555
(907) 271-4307
(213) 894-2850
(415) 323-8111
ext 2817
(415) 556-5627
(303) 844-4169
(202) 343-8073
(214) 767-0198
(801) 524-5652
Address
Margaret E Counce (703) 648-6892
National Center, Stop 559
1400 Independence Rd.
Rolla, MO 65401
Box 25046, Stop 510,
Federal Center,
Denver. CO 80225
345 Middlefield Rd,
Menlo Park, CA 94025
USGS
Sioux Falls, SD 57198
Room 101, 4230 University Dr,
Anchorage, AK 99508-4664
E-146 Federal Bldg,
Box 53. 701 C St,
Anchorage, AK 99513
7638 Federal Bldg,
300 N Los Angeles St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
345 Middlefield Rd,
Stop 533. Bldg 3,
Menlo Park, CA 9402
504 Customhouse,
555 Battery St,
San Francisco, CA 94111
169 Federal Bldg,
1961 Stout St,
Denver, CO 80294
1028 GSA Bldg,
18th and F Sts , NW ,
Washington, DC 20405
1C45 Federal Bldg ,
1100 Commerce St,
Dallas. TX 75242
8105 Federal Bldg,
125 S State St.
Salt Lake City, LIT 84138
1C402. National Center,
Stop 503
C- 1
-------
Office
Washington
Distribution Branch Offices
Alaska
Colorado
GEOLOGIC DIVISION
Regional Offices
Eastern
Central
Western ....
Geological Inquiries Group
Office of Regional
Geology, Chief ...
Branch of Eastern Regional
Geology. Chief ...
Branch of Central Regional .
Geology. Chief
Name
Jean E Flechel
Natalie Cornforth
Dwight F. Canfield
Branch of Western Regional
Geology, Chief
Branch of Isotope Geology,
Chief
Branch of Astrogeology,
Chief
Branch of Paleontology &
Stratigraphy. Chief
Office of Earthquakes,
Volcanoes, and Engineering .
Branch of Engineering . .
Seismology & Geology, Chief
Branch of Global Seismology &
Geomagnetism, Chief
Branch of Seismology, Chief
Branch of Geologic Risk
Assessment, Chief .
Jack H Medlin
Harry A Tourtelot
Bill Normark
Virginia Majors
MichellW Reynolds
John F Suiter
Glen A Izett
Rowland W. Tabor
Carl E. Hedge
Hugh H Kieffer
Richard Z Poore
Robert L Wesson
Thomas L Holzer
Robert P Masse
William H Backun
KayeM Shadlock
Telephone
Number
(509) 456-2524
(907) 4564)244
(303) 236-7477
(703)648-6660
(303)236-5438
(415)323-8111
ext 2214
(703) 648-4383
(703) 648-6960
(703) 648-S900
(303) 236-1258
(415) 329-4909
(303) 236-7880
(602) 765-7015
(703) 648-5288
(703) 648-S714
(415) 329-5634
(303) 236-1510
(415) 329-4793
(303) 236-1585
Address
678 U.S. Courthouse,
W. 920 Riverside Ave..
Spokane. WA 99201
101 12th Ave, Box 12,
Fairbanks, AK 99701
Box 25286, Stop 306.
Denver Federal Center,
Denver, CO 80225
National Center, Stop 953
Box 25046, Stop 911.
Denver Federal Center,
Denver, CO 80225
345 Middlefield Rd,
Mento Park. CA 94025
National Center, Stop 907
National Center, Stop 908
National Center, Stop 926A
Box 25046, Stop 913,
Denver. CO 80225
345 Middlefield Rd.
Mento Park. CA 94025
Box 25046, Stop 963,
Denver. CO 80225
2255 Gemini Drive,
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
National Center, Stop 982
National Center. Stop 905
345 Middlefield Rd,
Mento Park. CA 94025
Box 25046, Stop 967,
Denver, CO 80225
345 Middlefield Road,
Mento Park, CA 94025
BOX 25046. Stop 966.
Denver, CO 80225
C-2
-------
Office
Name
Telephone
Number
Address
Branch ol Tectonophysics, Chief William H Prescott
Branch of Igneous & Geothermal
Processes, Chief
Office of Energy and Manne
Geology, Chief .
Branch of Petroleum Geology,
Chief
Branch of Coal Geology, Chief
Branch of Sedimentary
Processes. Chief
Branch of Pacific Marine
Geology. Chief
Branch of Atlantic Marine
Geology, Chief
Office of Mineral Resources,
Chief
Branch of Geochemistry, Chief
Branch of Alaskan Geology,
Chief
Branch of Western Mineral
Resources, Chief
Branch of Resource Analysis,
Chief
Branch of Central Mineral
Resources, Chief
Branch of Eastern Mineral
Resources, Chief
Branch of Geophysics, Chief
Office of International
Geology, Chief
Robert L Christiansen
GaryW Hill
Donald L Gautier
Harold J Gluskoter
Walter E Dean
David A Cacchione
Bradford Butman
Glen H Allcott
Lorraine H Filipek
Donald J Grybeck
Edwin H McKee
William D Menzie
David A Lmdsey
Bruce R Lipm
(415) 329-4610
(415) 329-5228
(703) 648-6472
(303)236-5711
(703) 648-6401
(303) 236-1644
(415) 329-3184
(508) 548-8700
(703) 648-6100
(303) 236-1800
(907) 786-7403
(415) 329-5477
(703) 648-6125
(303) 236-5568
(703) 648-6327
Thomas H Hildenbrand (303) 236-1212
A Thomas Ovenshine (703) 648-6047
345 Middlefield Road,
Menlo Park, CA 94025
345 Middlefield Road,
Menlo Park, CA 94025
National Center, Stop 915
Box 25046. Stop 934.
Denver, CO 80225
National Center, Stop 956
Box 25046, Stop 916,
Denver, CO 80225
345 Middlefield Road.
Menlo Park. CA 94025
Woods Hole Oceanographic
Inst,
Woods Hole, MA 02543
National Center. Stop 913
Box 25046, Stop 973,
Denver Federal Center,
Denver. CO 80225
4200 University Drive,
Anchorage, AK 99508
345 Middlefield Road,
Menlo Park. CA 94025
920 National Center.
Reston, VA 22092
Box 25046. Stop 905.
Denver, CO 80225
954 National Center,
Reston, VA 22092
Box 25046, Stop 964,
Denver, CO 80225
National Center, Stop 917
WATER RESOURCES DIVISION
Regional Offices
Northeastern
Southeastern
Stanley P Sauer (703) 648-5817 National Center. Stop 433
James L Cook (404) 331-5174 Richard B. Russell.
Federal Bldg ,
75 Spring St , SW ,
Suite 772,
Atlanta. GA 30303
C-3
-------
Office
Name
Telephone
Number
Address
Central
Western
James F Blakely
John T Conomos
District Offices
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona ... .
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut (See Massachusetts)
Delaware (See Maryland)
District of Columbia (See Maryland)
Florida
Georgia .
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana .
D Brian Adams
Philip A Emery
Robert D MacNish
Ector E Gann
John M Klein
Charles A Pascale
Irwin H Kantrowitz
Jeffrey T Arbruster
Will Meyer
Jerry Hughes
Richard Novitsky
Dennis K Stewart
(303) 236-5920
(415) 3294403
ext 2337
(205) 752-8104
(907) 271-4138
(602) 6294671
(501) 3784391
(916) 9784633
(303)2364882
(904) 681-7620
(404) 331-4858
(808) 541-2653
(208) 334-1750
(217) 398-5353
(317) 290-3333
Box 25046, Stop 406,
Denver Federal Center,
Denver CO 80225
345 Middlefield Rd,
Stop 470,
Menlo Park, CA 94025
520 19th Ave,
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
4320 University Dr,
Suite 201,
Anchorage, AK 99508
Federal Bldg, FB-44
300 W Congress St,
Tucson, AZ 85701
2301 Federal Office Bldg , FB-44
700 W Capital Ave.,
Little Rock, AR 72201
Room W-2234, Federal
Bldg, 2800 Cottage Way,
Sacramento CA 95825
Box 25046, Stop 415,
Denver Federal Center,
Denver. CO 80225
227 North Bronough St.
Suite 3015,
Tallahassee, FL 32301
6481 Peachtree Industrial
Blvd, Suite B,
Doraville, GA 30360
PO Box 50166.
300 Ala Moana Blvd ,
Rm6110,
Honolulu. HI 96850
230 Collins Rd,
Boise. ID 83702
102E Mam St,
4th Floor, Urbana, IL 68101
5957 Lakeside Blvd.
Indianapolis, IN 46278
C-4
-------
Office
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine (See Massachusetts)
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
Name
Richard A Engberg
Telephone
Number
(319) 337-4191
Thomas Huntsinger (913) 864-4321
Alfred L Knight
Ivan C James II
T Ray Cummings
William Herb
Michael Gaydos
Daniel P Bauer
Joe A Moreland
Michael V Shutters
William J Carswell
(502) 582-5241
Darwin D Knochenmus (504) 389-0281
Herbert J Freiberger (301) 826-1535
(617) 565-6860
(517) 377-1608
(612) 229-2600
(601) 965-4600
(314) 341-0824
(406) 449-5263
(402) 471-5082
New Hampshire (See Massachusetts)
New Jersey Donald E Vaupel (609) 771-3900
Address
P O Box 1230, Room 269,
Federal Bldg,
400 S Clinton St,
Iowa City, IA 52244
1950 Constant Ave,
Campus West, University
of Kansas,
Lawrence, KS 66044
2301 Bradley Ave,
Louisville, KY 40217
PO Box 66492,
6554 Florida Blvd ,
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
208 Carroll Bldg,
8600 La Salle Rd ,
Towson, MD 21204
150 Causeway St,
Suite 1309.
Boston. MA 02114
6520 Mercantile Way,
Suite 5.
Lansing. Ml 48911
702 Post Office Bldg,
St Paul, MN 55101
Suite 710. Federal Bldg .
100 West Capitol St,
Jackson. MS 39269
1400 Independence Rd,
Mail Stop 200.
Rolla, MO 65401
428 Federal Bldg,
301 South Park Ave,
Drawer 10076.
Helena. MT 59626
406 Federal Bldg,
100 Centennial Mall.
North. Lincoln, NE 68508
Federal Building, Rm 244,
705 N Plaza St,
Carson City. NV 89701
Suite 206, Mountain View
Office Park, 810 Bear
Tavern Rd, West
Trenton, NJ 08628
C-5
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Office
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota ....
Ohio
Oklahoma . .
Name
Robert L Knutilla
L Grady Moore
James F Turner
Vacant
Steven M Hindall
Charles R. Burchett
Oregon (See Washington)
Pennsylvania
Puerto Rico . ..
David E Click
Allen Zack
Rhode Island (See Massachusetts)
South Carolina . . Rodney N Cherry
South Dakota
Richard E Fidter
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont (See Massachusetts)
Virginia (See Maryland)
Washington
Charles W. Boning
Harvey Lee Case
Telephone
Number
(505) 262-6630
(518) 472-3107
(919) 856-4510
(701) 2504601
ext 601
(614) 469-5553
(405) 231-4256
(717) 782-4514
(809)7834660
(803) 765-5966
(605) 353-7176
Ferdinand Quinones- (615) 736-5424
Marquez
(512) 832-5791
(801) 524-5663
Garald G Parker
(206) 593-6510
Address
Pinetree Office Park,
4501 Indian School Rd., NE.
Albuquerque. NM 87102
343 Post Office and Court-
house. Albany. NY 12201
P O Box 2857. Rm 436.
Century Postal Station,
300 Fayetteville Street
Mall. Raleigh, NC 27602
821 East Interstate Ave.,
Bismarck, ND 58501
975 West Third Ave.,
Columbus, OH 43212
Rm. 621, 215 Dean A.
McGee Ave., Oklahoma
City. OK 73102
PO. Box 1107,4th Floor,
Federal Bldg,
228 Walnut St..
Harrisburg, PA 17108
GPO Box 4424, Bldg 652,
GSA Center,
San Juan, PR 00936
Suite 677A,
1835 Assembly St.
Columbia. SC 29201
Rm. 317, Federal Bldg,
200 4th St, SW,
Huron, SD 57350
A-413 Federal Bldg.,
US Courthouse,
Nashville, TN 37203
Building 1,
8011 Cameron Road,
Austin, TX 78753
Room 1016 Administration
Bldg, 1745 W 1700 S.
Salt Lake City, UT 84104
1201 Pacific Ave,
Suite 600,
Tacoma, WA 98402
C-6
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Office Name Telephone Address
Number
West Virginia David H Appel (304) 347-5130 603 Morris St,
Charleston, WV 25301
Wisconsin Vernon W Norman (608) 274-3535 6417 Normandy LJV.
Madison. Wl 53719
Wyorrmg James Kircher [307)772-2153 P.O Box 1125,
2120 Capital Ave,
Rm 4006.
Cheyenne. WY 82003
C- 7
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APPENDIX D
GUIDE TO INFORMATION AND PUBLICATIONS OF
THE U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY
-------
APPENDIX D
GUIDE TO INFORMATION AND PUBLICATIONS OF THE U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY
To buy maps of all areas of the United States and to
request Survey catalogs, pamphlets, and leaflets (limited
quantities free), call, write or visit:
U S Geological Survey
Office and Customer Services Section
Federal Center. Box 25286
Denver. CO 80225
FT&776-7477
To obtain Information on cartographic data, write or
visit the U.S. Geological Survey Earth Science Information
Centers (ESIC) In the following States:
Alaska:
U S Geological Survey
Earth Science Information Center
4230 University Dr
Anchorage. AK 99508-4664
(907) 271-4159
FTS:907-271-4159
California:
Western Mapping Center
Earth Science Information Center
345 Middlefield Rd
Menlo Park, CA 94025
(415) 328-4309
FTS.907-459-4309
Colorado:
Rocky Mountain Mapping Center
Earth Science Information Center
Box 25046. Stop 504
Bldg 25, Federal Center
Denver, CO 80225
(303) 236-5829
FTS:776-5829
Mississippi:
National Space Technology
Laboratories
Earth Science Information Center
U S Geological Survey
Bldg 3101
Stennis Space Center, MS 39529
(601) 688-3544
FTS:494-3544
Missouri:
Mid-Continent Mapping Center
Earth Science Information Center
National Cartographic
1400 Independence Rd
Rolla, MO 65401
(314) 341-0851
FT&227-0851
Virginia:
Earth Science Information Center
507 National Center
12201 Sunrise Valley Dr
Reston. VA 22092
(703) 648-5963
FTS:959-5963
To obtain Information on programs, publications, and
services or to obtain copies of reports and maps, visit the
U.S. Geological Survey Public Inquiries Offices at the
following addresses:
Alaska:
Room 101
4230 University Dr
Anchorage, AK 99508-4664
(907) 561-5555
E-146 Federal Bldg
Box 53
701 C St
Anchorage, AK 99513
(907) 271-4307
California-
7638 Federal Bldg
300 N Los Angeles St
Los Angeles. CA 90012
(213) 894-2850
Bldg 3, Stop 533
345 Middlefield Rd
Menlo Park. CA 94025
(415) 329-4390
504 Customhouse
555 Battery St
San Francisco. CA 94111
(415) 556-5627
Colorado:
169 Federal Bldg
1961 Stout St
Denver, CO 80294
(303) 844-4169
1C45 Federal Bldg
1100 Commerce St
Dallas, TX 75242
Utah.
8105 Federal Bldg
125 S State St
Salt Lake City. UT 84138
(801) 524-5652
D- 1
-------
Virginia:
503 National Center
12201 Sunrise Valley Or
Reston, VA 22092
(703)64*6892
Washington:
678 U S. Courthouse
W. 920 Riverside Ave.
Spokane, WA 99201
(509) 456-2524
Washington. DC:
1028 General Services Admin
Bldg.
18th and F Sts, NW
Washington. DC 20405
(202) 343-8073
To obtain Information on aerial photographs and
satellite and space Images, call, write or visit:
U S Geological Survey
EROS Data Center
Sioux Falls, SD 57198
(605) 594-6123
To obtain Information on geology topics, such as
earthquakes, energy and mineral resources, the geology
of specific areas, and geologic maps and mapping, write
or call:
U S Geological Survey
Geologic Inquiries Group
907 National Center
12201 Sunrise Valley Dr
Reston, VA 22092
(703) 648-4383
To subscribe to Earthquakes and Volcanoes, write:
Superintendent of Documents
Government Printing Office
Washington. DC 20402
To obtain assistance In locating sources of water data,
Identifying sites at which data have been collected, and
specific data, write:
U.S. Geological Survey
National Water Data Exchange
421 National Center
2201 Sunrise Valley Dr
Reston. VA 22092
To obtain Information on ongoing and planned water-
data acquisition activities of all Federal agencies and
many non-Federal organizations, write:
U S. Geological Survey
Office of Water Data Coordination
417 National Center
12201 Sunrise Valley Dr
Reston. VA 22092
To obtain Information on water resources In general
and about the water resources of specific areas of the
United States, write or call:
U.S. Geological Survey
Hydrologic Information Unit
419 National Center
12201 Sunrise Valley Dr
Reston. VA 22092
To buy Alaskan maps, residents of Alaska may write
or visit:
U.S Geological Survey
Alaska Distribution Section
101 12th Avenue, Box 12
Fairbanks. AK 99701
To buy Survey book publications, to request Survey
circulars, or to obtain Information on the availability of
microfiche or paper-duplicate copies of open-file reports,
write:
Publications and Open-File Services
Section
Federal Center, Box 25425
Denver, CO 80225
To get on the mailing list for the monthly list of New
Publications of the Geological Survey (free), write:
U S Geological Survey
Computer Operations Office
582 National Center
12201 Sunrise Valley Dnve
Reston, VA 22092
This information is modified from USGS (1987a)
D-2
-------
APPENDIX E
MAP PRODUCTS AND MAPPING AGENCIES
-------
APPENDIX E
MAP PRODUCTS AND MAPPING AGENCIES
TABLE E-1. MAP PRODUCTS AND SOURCES*3'
Producing Available
Products agency from
Aeronautical charts NOS NOS
Boundary Information:
United States and Canada IBC IBC
United States and Mexico IBWC IBWC
Boundary and annexation surveys of incorporated
places with 2,500 or more inhabitants BC QPO
Civil subdivisions and reservations BLM BLM
State/Federal DOS DOS
Census data (social and economic) BC GPO
Climatic maps NWS NWS
Earthquake hazard maps USGS USGS
Federal property maps:
Water and Power Resources Service WPRS WPRS
Fish and Wildlife Service FWS FWS
National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA NASA
National forests FS FS
National Park Service NPS NPS
Military reservations:
Air Force USAF USAF
Army USA USA
Coast Guard USCG USCG
Marines USMC USMC
Navy USN USN
State maps of lands administered by Bureau of Land
Management BLM BLM
U.S. maps of lands administered by Bureau of Land
Management BLM BLM
Flood-plain maps DRBC DRBC
FIA FIA
MRC MRC
NOS FIA
SCS SCS
USCE USCE
USGS USGS
Geodetic control data NOS NOS
USCE USCE
USGS NOS&ESIC
Addresses of Federal, State, and other agencies identified by acronyms are listed in Appendix Table E-2. Modified from
Thompson (1988).
E- 1
-------
Products
Geologic maps:
Coal investigations
General geologic
Geophysical investigations
Mineral investigations
Mines
Oil and gas investigations
Geochemical maps
Geographic maps:
Land use
Highway maps:
Indian lands
Federal lands
Federally funded roads
Federal primary and secondary
Interstate
Federal highway maps of the U S
Historical maps and charts
Hydrographlc charts and bathymetrlc maps:
Bottom typography
USGS/NOAA
Hydrographic surveys
Nautical charts
Navigable waterways maps
River and stream surveys
River basin/watershed studies
River surveys
Wildlife and scenic river jurisdiction
Offshore mapping
Producing
agency
USGS
SGA
USGS
NOAA
NOAA
USGS
USGS
BM
USGS
USGS
NOS
USGS
BIA
FHWA
FHWA
FHWA
FHWA
FHWA
LC
All Federal
agencies
NOS
USCE
USGS
USGS/
NOAA
NOS
USGS
NOS
USCE
USCE
MRC
ERC
SCS
USGS
WPRS
USGS
BLM
NOAA/
USGS
Available
from
USGS
SGA
USGS
EDIS
ERL
USGS
USGS
BM
USGS
USGS
NOS
USGS
BIA
FHWA
GPO
GPO
FHWA
GPO
LC
NARS
NOS
USCE
USGS
USGS
NOS
USGS
NOS
USCE
USCE
MRC
ERC
SCS
USGS
WPRS
USGS
BLM
USGS
E-2
-------
Products
Producing
agency
Available
from
Hydrologic investigations atlases
Indian reservations:
Land surveys
U S maps of Indian lands
USGS
BIA
BIA
USGS
GPO
GPO
Land plats
BLM
BLM
NPS
USCE
BLM
NARS
NPS
USCE
National Atlas of the U.S.
Photographic products:
Aerial photographs
USGS
USGS
Orthophotomaps
Space imagery:
Landsat (ERTS)
Thematic Mapper
NASA manned spacecraft
Nimbus
Skylab
Tiros
Recreation maps
ASCS
BLM
BLM
BPA
DMA
NASA
FHWA
FS
FS
FWS
FWS
NOS
NPS
SCS
USCE
FS
USGS
BIA
NOS
USGS
NASA
NASA
NASA
NASA
NASA
NWS
NASA
NASA
NWS
ASCS
BLM
EDC
BPA
DMA
EDC
FHWA
EDC
USGS
EDC
USGS
NOS
NPS
SCS
USCE
FS
USGS
BIA
NOS
USGS
ASCS
EDC
EDIS
NASA
EDC
NWS
ASCS
USGS
NWS
BLM
NPS&USGS
BLM
NPS&USGS
E-3
-------
Products
Selsmlcity maps and charts
Soils
Soils-substation quality
Topographic maps
Utilities:
Ground conductivity maps of the U S
Principal electric-facilities maps of the U S
Principal natural-gas-pipelines maps of the U S
Water resources development data
Miscellaneous data:
Clinometric (slope) maps
Gravity survey charts
Income distribution maps
Isogonic charts
Isomagnetic charts
Magnetic charts
National science trail maps
State indexes of fish hatcheries and national
wildlife refuges
Storm evacuation maps
Tree danger (to poweriines) detection maps
U.S location maps of fish hatcheries and national
wildlife refuges
Producing
agency
ERL
USGS
SCS
BPA
USGS
MRC
NASA
FCC
ERC
ERC
USGS
USGS
EDIS
NOS
USGS
BC
USGS
NOS
EDIS
SCS
FWS
NOS
BPA
FWS
Available
from
ERL
USGS
SCS
BPA
USGS
MRC
NASA
GPO
GPO
GPO
USGS
USGS
EDIS
NOS
USGS
GPO
USGS
NOS
EDIS
SCS
FWS
NOS
BPA
FWS
E-4
-------
TABLE E-2. ADDRESSES OF MAPPING AGENCIES^'
Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Services (ASCS)
Aerial Photography Field Office
Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service
P.O. Box 30010
Salt Lake City, UT 84130-0010
(801) 524-5856 FTS (801) 588-5856
Bonneville Power Administration (BPA)
Public Involvement
Bonneville Power Administration
P.O. Box 3621
Portland, OR 97208-3621
(503) 230-3478 FTS 8-429-3478
Oregon toll free -1-800-841-5867
Other toll free - 1-800-624-9495
Bureau of the Census (BC)
Data Users Service Division, Customer Service
Bureau of the Census
Washington Plaza
Washington, DC 20233
(301) 763-4100 FTS 8-763-4100
Bureau of Indian Affairs
Few Maps Available
18th and C Streets, NW
MS 4640
Washington, DC 20240
(202) 343-1710 FTS 8-343-1710
Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
Bureau of Land Management
Division of Cadastral Survey
18th and C Street, NW
MS 201
Washington, DC 20240
(202) 653-8798 FTS 8-653-8798
Bureau of Mines (BM)
Mine Map Repository
Office of Surface Mining and
Reclamation Enforcement
Department of Interior
10 Parkway Center
Greentree, PA 15220
(412) 937-3001 FTS 8-726-3001
Bureau of Reclamation
Bureau of Reclamation
Public Affairs Office
7644 Interior Building
18th and C Street, NW
Washington, DC 20240
(202) 343-4662 FTS 8-343-4662
Defense Mapping Agency (DMA)
Programs, Production and Operations
Division
Defense Mapping Agency HTC
Naval Observatory, Building 56
Washington, DC 20315-0030
(202) 227-2495/2534
Delaware River Basin Commission
(DRBC)
Executive Director
Delaware River Basin Commission
(25 State Police Drive)
P.O. Box 7360
West Trenton, NJ 08628
(609) 883-9500 FTS 8-483-2077
Department of Energy (DOE)
Office of Scientific and Technical Information
Department of Energy
Oak Ridge, TN 37831
(615) 576-1301 FTS 8-576-1301
Department of State (DOS)
Maps not available to the public
Office of the Geographer
Bureau of Intelligence and Research
Department of State
Room 8742 INR/GE
Washington, DC 20520
(202) 647-2022 FTS 8-647-2022
Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Public Awareness
Environmental Protection Agency
401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460
(202) 382-2080 FTS 8-382-2080
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Reference and Information Center
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
825 North Capitol Street, NE
Washington, DC 20426
(202) 357-8118 FTS 8-357-8118
Federal Highway Administration
Limited number of maps available; none produced
Office of Public Affairs
Federal Highway Administration
Room 4210
400 7th Street, SW
Washington. DC 20590
(202) 366-0660
Appendix Table E-1 for map products available from these agencies. Modified from Thompson (1988).
E-5
-------
Federal Insurance Administration (FIA)
Flood Map Distribution Center
6930 Santomas Rd
Baltimore. MD 21227-6227
1-800-333-1363
International Boundary Commission, United States and Canada
(IBC)
International Boundary Commission
United States and Canada
United States Section
Room 150
425 I Street. NW
Washington, DC 20001
(202)632-8058 FTS &S32-8058
Library of Congress (LC)
Geography and Map Division
Library of Congress
1st and Independence Avenue. SE
Washington, DC 20540
(202)707-6277 FTS 8-707-6277
Mississippi River Commission (MRC)
Mississippi River Commission
U S. Army Corp of Engineers
USACE - Vicksburg Division
Attention: Map Sales
PO Box 60
Vicksburg, MS 39180-0060
(601) 631-5002
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Contact the facility office of the installation concerned
National Archives and Record Service (NARS)
Cartographic and Architectural Division
National Archives and Records Administration
Pennsylvania Avenue at 8th Street. NW
Washington, DC 20408
(703) 756-6700 FTS 8-756-6700
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Refer to National Ocean Service
Environmental Research Laboratories (ERL)
Environmental Research Laboratory
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/NGDC
3025 Broadway
Boulder, CO 80303
(303) 497-6419 FTS 8-320-6419
National Ocean Service (NOS)
Distribution Branch
NCG33
6501 Lafayette Avenue
Riverdale, MD 20737
(301) 436-6990 FTS 8-436-6930
National Park Service (NPS)
Office of Public Inquiry
National Park Service
Room 1013
18th and C Street
Washington, DC 20242
(202) 343-4747 FTS 8-343-4747
National Weather Service (NWS)
Refer to National Ocean Service
Soil Conservation Service (SCS)
Cartographic and Geographic Information Systems
Soil Conservation Service
PO Box 2890
Room 6245
Washington, DC 20013
(202) 447-5421 FTS 8-447-5421
Contact each State Geologist for specific information
State Geologic Agencies
Contact the State Geologist or other cognizant official
in each State
Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
Maps and Surveys Department
Tennessee Valley Authority
101 Haney Building
Chattanooga, TN 37402-2801
(615) 751-MAPS
U.S. Air Force (USAF)
Contact the information office of the base concerned
U.S. Army (USA)
Contact the commander of the base concerned
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USCOE)
Office of Chief of Engineers
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Washington, DC 20314
(202) 272-0660
U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)
Refer to National Ocean Service and The Defense
Mapping Agency
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)
U S Fish and Wildlife Service
Division of Realty
Washington, DC 20240
(703)358-1713 FTS 8-921-1713
U.S. Forest Service (FS)
U S Forest Service
Office of Public Affairs
PO BOX96090
Washington, DC 20250
(202) 447-3760 FTS 8447-3760
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
Earth Sciences Information Center (ESIC)
U S Geological Survey
507 National Center
Reston, VA 22092
(703)648-4000 FTS 8-9594000
E-6
-------
APPENDIX F
STATE MAPPING ADVISORY COMMITTEES
AND CONTACT NAMES
-------
APPENDIX F
Alaska
Mr Jerome Page
State of Alaska
Division of Land & Water Management
3601 C Street. Suite 1116
Anchorage, AK 99510
(907) 271-4149
Alabama
Dr Ernest A Mancini
State Geologic and Oil and Gas
Supervisor
Geologic Survey of Alabama
P O Box O, University Station
Tuscaloosa. AL 35846
8-205-349-2852
Arizona
Mr William Bayham. Chairman
Arizona State Mapping Advisory
Committee
Arizona State Land Department
1616 West Adams
Phoenix. AZ 85007
8-602-255-2613
California
Mr David E Pelgen, Chairman
California State Mapping Advisory Committee
Department of Water Resources
PO Box 942836
Sacramento. CA 94236-0001
(916) 445-8322
Colorado
Mr Greg Fulton
Colorado Department of Highways
Division of Transportation Planning
Programs Support Branch
4201 E Arkansas Avenue
Denver, CO 80222
(303) 757-9813
Delaware
Dr Thomas E Picket!
Associate Director
Delaware Geological Survey
University of Delaware
101 Penny Hall
Newark. DE 19716
8-302-451-2833
STATE MAPPING ADVISORY COMMITTEES
AND CONTACT NAMES
Hawaii
Mr Paul Nuha, Chairman
Hawaii State Mapping Advisory
Committee
Department of Accounting and General Services
PO Box 119
Honolulu. HI 96810
8-808-548-7422
Idaho
Mr Ray A Miller. Chairman
Idaho Geographic Information
Advisory Committee
Department of Lands
801 South Capitol Boulevard
Boise, ID 83702
(208) 334-3816
Illinois
Dr Richard E Dahlberg
Chairman, Illinois Mapping Advisory Committee
Department of Geography
Northern Illinois University
Davis Hall
DeKalb, IL 60115
8-815-753-6827
Kentucky
Dr Donald C Haney
Chairman, Kentucky Mapping Advisory Committee
Director and State Geologist
Kentucky Geological Survey
University of Kentucky
228 Mining and Mineral Resources
Bldg
Lexington, KY 40506-0107
8-606-257-5865
Maine
Dr Walter A Anderson
State Geologist
Maine Geological Survey
Department of Conservation
State House Station 22
Augusta. ME 04333
8-207-289-2801
Maryland
Dr Kenneth N Weaver
Director
Maryland Geological Survey
2300 St Paul Street
Baltimore. MD 21218
9-301-554-5559
F- 1
-------
Michigan
New Jersey
Mr R Thomas Segall
Chairman, Michigan Mapping Advisory Committee
State Geologist and Chief
Geological Survey Division
Michigan Department of Natural
Resources
P.O. Box 30028
Lansing, Ml 48909
8-517-334-6923
Mississippi
Mr. Paul Davis
Coordinator. Mississippi Mapping
Advisory Committee
Director. Mississippi Automated
Resources Information System
Center for Policy Research and
Planning
3825 Ridgewood Road
Jackson, MS 39201
8^01-982-6354
Missouri
Dr Keith Wedge
Chairman, Missouri Mapping Advisory Committee
Department of Natural Resources
P.O. Box 250
Rolla, MO 65401
8-314-364-1752
Montana
Mr. Don Cromer
State of Montana
Montana Department of Highways
2701 Prospect
Helena. MT 59620
(406)444-5358
Nevada
Mr. Jonathan Price, Chairman
Nevada State Mapping Advisory
Committee
Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology
Reno. NV 89557-0088
8-702-784-6691
New Hampshire
Mr. James Mclaughlin
Senior Planner
Office of State Planning
2-1/2 Beacon Street
Concord, NH 03301
8-603-271-2155
Mr. Lawrence Schmidt
Acting Director, Planning Group
Environmental Protection
Office of the Commissioner
CN402
Trenton, NJ 08625
(609) 292-2885
New Mexico
Mr Michael H Inglis
Technology Application Center
University of New Mexico
2808 Central Ave., S E.
Albuquerque, NM 87106
(505)277-3622
North Carolina
Mr. Stephen G Conrad
Director
Division of Land Resources
Department of Natural Resources and
Community Development
P.O. Box 27687
Raleigh, NC 27611
8-919-733-3833
Oregon
Dr. John D. Beaulieu, Chairman
Oregon State Mapping Advisory
Council
Department of Geology and Mineral
Industries
1060 State Office Building
Portland, OR 97201
(503)229-5580
South Carolina
Mr. Norman K. Olson
State Geologist
South Carolina Geological Survey
Harbison Forest Road
Columbia. SC 29210
8403-737-9440
Texas
Mr Tommy Knowles
Texas Water Development Board
P.O Box 13087
Capital Station
Austin. TX 78711
(512)884-3011
F-2
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Utah
Ms Genevieve Atwood
Director
Utah Geological and Mineral Surveys
606 Black Hawk Way
Salt Lake City. UT 84108
(801) 581-6831
Vermont
Dr Charles A Ratte
State Geologist
Agency of Natural Resources
Office of the State Geologist
103 South Main Street, Center
Building
Waterbury, VT 05676
8-802-244-5164
Washington
Ms Christine Reinhard, Chairperson
Washington State Mapping Advisory
Committee
Department of Natural Resources
1065 Capitol Way-AW-11
Olympia, WA 98504
8-206-753-5340
Wisconsin
Dr M E Ostrom
Chairman, Wisconsin Topographic
Mapping Committee
State Geologist and Director
Wisconsin Geological and Natural
History Survey
3817 Mineral Point Road
Madison, Wl 53705
8-608-263-7384
Wyoming
Mr Gordon W Fassett
Wyoming State Engineer's Office
Herschler Building
Cheyenne. WY 82002
(307) 777-7354
F-3
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