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Date: Wed, 11 Apr 2001 13:14:09 -0400
From: Tsering Wangyal Shawa <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: CUAC feedback
Sender: Tsering Wangyal Shawa <[log in to unmask]>


Thiry,

I would appreciate if you raise the issue of the DOQQ in the CUAC meeting.
As we know, initially all the FDLP are supposed to get the DOQQ free but in
the middle of this program the USGS stop distributing the DOQQ because of
what they called "technical difficulties". I raised this issue many times
in the Federal Spatial Information Discussion Group meetings were the
MAGERT CUAC members participates and told them that we could help the USGS
to solve the so called "technical difficulties" in distributing the DOQQ so
that they do not have any excuses of not distributing the DOQQ to the FDLP.
I have suggested different ways to solve the problems if there are any and
many of our members agreed with my suggestions. I think, the DOQQ are one
of the most important geospatial resources that we all should have. Many of
the geospatial data are created out of the DOQQ. The most important part of
the DOQQ issue is that although we could buy DOQQs at minimal price from
various sources but the restriction they places on the flow of content far
outweighs any benefit provided by the fee. We need to look into this issue
very carefully.

I am really disappointed with our MAGERT CUAC members for not representing
our interest properly. I hope you could raise the above issue.

> Questions:

>1)  What is the impact on libraries when mapping is online?

My understanding is that many Map and Govt. Doc. librarians are not
comfortable with online mapping solution. I think, this problem can be
solved by providing a good technical help in accessing, converting,
managing and archiving of the digital data.

>2)  How do we use online spatial/cartographic data?

It depends on the usage. If the data is use frequently and server is slow.
I usually download the data and put it on our server. So that the users can
easily access the data without depending on server conditions...besides, it
allows me to archive the data.

>3)  Do we download things, save things, archive them, or do we go back to
the original source material each time?

Answer is same as 2nd.

>4) Do we handle electronic map needs in the library or do we send our
users someplace else?

In our case, I do everything. I do research for faculty members and
students about their  geospatial data needs, convert the data if it needs
conversion, analysis and interpret a data and display the information in
map form. Also help them in a cartographic designs. If we do not have a
data or do not have an access to a data then I request a data owner to put
the data on the FTP site...many institutions are very helpful in providing
this services but there are few including some libraries charge money in
providing federally own information which they purchased from another
institution.

>5)  Do we use the airport charts, obstruction charts, approach charts,etc.?

Our students use them occasionally.

>6)  What will be the impact if the USGS Open File Reports go online only?

If they properly managed and archived them then the only question that I
can think of is, printing. Do every FDLP have a large format printers? This
will force them to buy one.

Thanks.
-Wangyal
Tsering Wangyal Shawa
Geographic Information Systems Librarian
Digital Map and Geospatial Information Center
Geosciences and Map Library
Guyot Hall, Princeton University
Princeton, NJ 08544
Phone: (609) 258-6804
Fax: (609) 258-4607
www.princeton.edu/~geolib/gis
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