---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Fri, 02 Aug 2002 10:07:26 -0700
From: Brian Bach <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Seeking USGS Map Count

Thanks to Wangyal for an instant answer to my question. The Excel database shows relative numbers of maps for each state. Excel-lent! The database is attached to Wangyal's previously posted message. Paige's suggestion for such a reference is thus already provided!

And thanks to all who responded to my question regarding map counts for USGS 7.5 topos on a state by state basis.

To clarify, what I needed to find out was which US states exceed 3000 topos in number. We have embarked on our project of entering all our 7.5 topos into Triple-I. Currently our limit of item attachments per record is 3000. Naturally, TX exceeds the limit, but I was uncertain about CA & MT. AK is not a problem, as Linda Z's handy stats have shown.

We are upgrading Triple-I to Millennium, which should have a 5000 record capacity, so by the time we reach the Lone Star state (admittedly, down the road a piece), perhaps this situation will be successfully resolved.

Paige makes an excellent point as far as border quads are concerned. I'm discovering that in our collection, the solution is quite logical: whatever state has the majority of coverage on the given quad, that quad goes to that particular state's collection. Millport NW, AL-MS has only a quarter inch by two inches of MS territory showing, so, uh, I think it's no contest in that case. Certain quads come nearer to even percentages, but our depository collection is not lavish enough to provide for such duplication. There are a few discrepancies in what choices are made as far as what state 'gets' the topo; e.g. very occasionally the mini-state map (in the bottom margin, which shows quadrangle location) shows the primary state in question, while the first state listed after the topo quad title may be the border (or secondary or tertiary, etc.) state(s), while the primary state in question gets second billing! And vice-versa. Assuredly, these are knotty cartographic choice problems, which are best regarded with parental tolerance.

Even taking border quads into account, Wangyal's calculations are more than accurate enough to get a proper perspective.

So, it's on to Millry North, AL and points further afield . . .

Brian





Brian P. Bach
Maps Specialist
Documents/Maps
Central Washington University Library
400 E. 8th Ave.
Ellensburg, WA 98926-7548
USA
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