-------- Original Message --------
Subject: USGS Topographic Map Reprint Policy
Date: Wed, 28 Apr 2010 08:28:40 -0400
From: Robert A Bier <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
CC: Richard L Huffine <[log in to unmask]>, Michael P McDermott
<[log in to unmask]>, Charles D Thompson <[log in to unmask]>
To Maps-L:
A few months ago, there were some questions regarding the USGS reprint
policy for its topographic maps. While a general answer was provided
stating that reprinting topographic maps would continue, we since have
compiled some more specific questions and answers which we hope will be
useful. If you have questions or comments regarding any of these
statements, feel free to email me Mike McDermott at [log in to unmask]
<mailto:[log in to unmask]>.
Thanks,
Mike McDermott
Chief, Science Information and Education Office
Geospatial Information Office
U.S. Geological Survey
Remarks and responses to the Maps-L community regarding USGS printing of
1:24,000-scale topographic quadrangle maps.
*Can Libraries continue to receive updated topographic sheets as part of
the Federal Depository Library program?*
In December 2009, the USGS announced the “US Topo,” the next generation
of topographic maps from the U.S. Geological Survey. While designed to
look, feel, and perform like the traditional paper topographic map, US
Topos are digital maps available at “Map Locator” at
_http://store.usgs.gov_ for free viewing and downloading. Customers may
request print-on- demand copies of US Topo maps for a $15 fee.
Because it can be downloaded for free, the USGS is not planning to print
and distribute the new US Topo product to the library community as was
done in years past with printed topographic maps through the GPO’s
Federal Depository Library Program. As such, Depository libraries will
no longer receive any “no-fee” 1:24,000-scale printed topographic
quadrangle maps via the GPO because the USGS will not be requesting any
print orders for the new US Topos that the GPO could ride for depository
distribution. Depository libraries can request and pay for print copies
via the USGS print-on- demand service at $15 a copy.
*Will there be a means of announcing the new update of each sheet, so
that (for example) I will know when the Salt Lake City North quadrangle
has been updated?*
/The National Map/ will be announcing the release of new US Topo
products by State when the creation and release of that State’s new maps
have been produced. The USGS is moving to a three-year revision cycle
for US Topos but with approximately 18,000 maps to be revised annually,
there are no plans to announce the release of each new sheet
individually. Instead, the current status of available US Topos can be
viewed at “Map Locator” at _http://store.usgs.gov_. Additionally, a
weekly summary of State map completion and the graphic mapping work plan
can be found at the US Topo Web site:
http://nationalmap.gov/ustopo/about.html
*If new editions of 1:24,000-scale topographic quadrangle maps are being
removed from the depository program, will we have the opportunity to
purchase and receive paper versions of the latest revisions of a given
quadrangle?*
The USGS does not consider the production of a digital product the
removal of topographic maps from the Depository Library Program. The US
Topo is considered a new product and not a direct continuation of the
previous series. US Topos may be cataloged and described by the US
Government Printing Office for the Catalog of Government Publications
and these products should be listed in future Depository shipping lists
as a notification of electronic availability.
More than 90% of the Depository Program today is announced via a notice
of electronic availability. Maps will be available at “Map Locator” at
_http://store.usgs.gov_ for free viewing and downloading, or may also be
purchased from USGS as a print-on-demand product for $15 per copy.
Purchase options will vary in the future as more private sector business
partners offer products as print-on-demand.
*Please clarify the “reprint policy” of the USGS.*
The USGS will continue to reprint selected high-demand topographic
quadrangles. These prior-edition reprints have already been distributed
to Depository Libraries in their initial print distribution. The US Topo
product is not being printed for initial distribution and therefore they
are not being distributed in print to Depository Libraries. The GPO
should still catalog and describe US Topos for the Catalog of Government
Publications and include them in future Depository shipping lists as a
notification of electronic availability.
*Does BLM have different money sources that they can choose to print
their maps?*
Yes, the Bureau of Land Management is a separate Bureau of the
Department of the Interior and they produce map products for different
purposes and different audiences than the USGS. Although the USGS does
not print BLM maps, the USGS will continue to partner with BLM and GPO
to provide depository distribution of their revised 1:100,000-scale maps.
*Could we have been told of the decision to cease printing
1:24,000-scale topographic maps back in May of 2008 and not just be left
to wonder?*
In May 2008, the USGS ceased its relationship with the Federal Aviation
Administration for printing 1:24,000-scale topographic quadrangle maps
and shifted printing to contracts with the private sector for what were
now primarily reprints. Because printing existing maps to replenish
stock was going to continue, there did not appear to be a need for an
announcement.
As mentioned in response to different Maps-L questions, in December
2009, the USGS announced the “US Topo,” the next generation of
topographic maps from the U.S. Geological Survey. While designed to
look, feel, and perform like the traditional paper topographic map, US
Topos are digital maps available at “Map Locator” at
_http://store.usgs.gov_ for free viewing and downloading. Because it can
be downloaded for free, the USGS is not planning to distribute a
lithographically printed version of the new US Topo product. Customers
may request print-on-demand copies of US Topo maps for a $15 fee.
*I have often felt a disconnected with the USGS ever since the ESIC
program disappeared.*
The Earth Science Information Centers (ESICs) program was merged with
the USGS Library in 2005 to form the new Science Information and Library
Services (SILS) program with the USGS. While the SILS name is not used
broadly outside of the USGS, SILS staff handles over 200,000 emails,
telephone calls, and visitor annually. In addition, SILS supports the
1-888 ASK USGS telephone number, the “Contact USGS” page on the USGS
homepage, and the FAQs (also on the homepage) which handles about 1
million questions a year. With the formation of the SILS, sales counter
operations at USGS offices in Reston, Denver, Menlo, and Anchorage were
shifted to partnerships with either non-profit organizations or State
offices. Customer services formerly handled by the ESIC are actively
operating through the SILS.
Bob Bier
Chief - Public Services
950 National Center; Room 1D-100
12201 Sunrise Valley Drive
Reston, VA 20192
703-648-6207
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