-------- Original Message --------
Subject:        Re: MAPS-L: Future of the 7.5" Quadrangles
Date:   Wed, 23 Aug 2006 11:46:07 -0700
From:   Brian Bach <[log in to unmask]>
To:     [log in to unmask]

I think I can safely say that all of us with Depository map collections are grateful to Linda for seeking out and distributing information on this important subject. The slowing (to a - crawl) of USGS 7.5" topo shipments has long been anticipated, but now that we are experiencing it, it is most helpful to know of the agency's future strategies.

The era of clockwork shipments of 7.5" topos may be passing, but, in my opinion, the needs for the cartographic information that USGS provides are increasing. In the Ellensburg WA area, the topo coverage hasn't been updated since 1978. Like many western communities, such as Missoula, MT, Bend OR, etc., the development here has been considerable. We cannot, however, expect any new editions. The new National Forest editions, covering territory nearby, are outstanding, but adjacent topo coverage is significantly inadequate.  So yes, any USGS MoD services would be welcomed. But yes, the problem of good plotter access is certainly an issue here, as is the practical actuality and cost of such a process.

I don't wish to sound too 'bloggish' in my observations in this matter, but I have learned to lower any expectations as far as grand old traditions in Depository sendings are concerned. Being spoiled is usually a bittersweet experience in cases such as these.

Conversely, there is considerable refreshment to be found in the product of more local agencies (utilizing USGS data, as indicated in Mike's responses below). The WA state Depts. of Natural Resources and Fish and Wildlife are producing some welcome and attractive maps. They attend to local information not readily found on previous government maps, particularly in areas such as Kittitas County, which has long been under-documented. The influence of GIS is to be noted, but there is also the fact that Kittitas County lies just to the east of King County and the conurbation of Seattle and the I-5 corridor, thus the heightened interest, on many levels, in this less-developed region. In line with the state's general trend of rapid development, the DNR has issued a Public Lands Quadrangle series, based on the national and BLM 1:100,000 series, but with WA state-prioritized overlays. The resulting maps are some of the most coherent and helpful that have so far appeared of this regio!
 n. Also, Fish & Wildlife are cooperating with local organizations in updating their 'Green Dot' maps to GIS. These maps show legitimate road access in nearby wilderness areas.

As always, maps lead the way ahead. Development of our relatively pristine region has its share of controversies. Strictly in the map context though, I hope this area, which is quickly being 'discovered', merits USGS currency as much as any other in the US.

'Future' talk of the recent past has undoubtedly become 'now' talk. In other words, many speculations on the subject of the future of the 7.5" topos have now been confirmed. Maybe.

Brian




Brian P. Bach
Documents/Maps
Brooks Library
Central Washington University
400 E. University Way
Ellensburg, WA 98926-7548
USA
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>>> [log in to unmask] 08/23/06 6:03 AM >>>
-------- Original Message --------
Subject:        Future of the 7.5" Quadrangles
Date:   Wed, 23 Aug 2006 06:49:26 -0400
From:   Zellmer, Linda R <[log in to unmask]>
To:     Maps, Air Photo & Geospatial Systems Forum
<[log in to unmask]>, <[log in to unmask]>



Hello,
In response to several recent e-mails from Maps-L participants and
others who have contacted me directly, I have been in touch with Michael
McDermott, National Coordinator of the Natural Science Network of the
U.S. Geological Survey. Below you will find his response to the concerns
raised about the future of the 7.5" topographic map and the possibility
of outsourcing map production. For the sake of brevity, I have deleted
the e-mails that I sent him on the topic. The June 21 e-mail that he
refers to was a message from someone who works for a state geological
survey; Mike has responded to several of those comments in his response.
I am willing to share the initial e-mails with you (off list) if you
would like to see them.
The USGS is willing to work with the library community through the
Cartographic Users Advisory Council (CUAC) to help libraries make the
transition to the electronic environment. If you wish to make any
comments on these plans and their effects on you and your library users,
or if you hear any other news, please keep me or one of the other CUAC
members (http://cuac.wustl.edu/cuacDirectory2007.htm) informed. Thank
you. Linda Zellmer
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Linda Zellmer
Geoscience Information Society representative to Cartographic Users
Advisory Council
Head, Geology Library
Geology Building, Room 601
1001 E. 10th Street
Bloomington, Indiana 47405-1405
Phone: (812) 855-2275 Fax: (812) 855-6614
[log in to unmask]
*From:* Michael P McDermott [mailto:[log in to unmask]] *
Sent:* Thursday, August 17, 2006 3:24 PM*
To:* Zellmer, Linda R*
Subject:* Response to July 19, 2006 email


Linda,

Thank for your July 19, 2006, email (included below) regarding the
future distribution of USGS maps. As my initial response to you on July
20, 2006, indicated, it would take a little time to provide this full
response. In reviewing your comments and the USGS email response you
included, there seem to be three major issues*USGS map-on-demand, access
to historical maps and depository data, and USGS counter sales. A fourth
issue reflects the statements in your June 21, 2006, email regarding the
changes in USGS map production based on competitive sourcing actions. I
apologize for not responding earlier to the June 21 email.
_
USGS Map-on-Demand_
The USGS is beginning to transition from the lithographic printing that
we are currently doing through the Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA), to a map-on-demand (MoD) approach. Given the general trend of
shifting to digital databases, especially among Federal agencies, this
change has become inevitable. A key reason for the change is to enable
our users to have the most current data available. On average, the
content in current printed USGS topographic maps is over 20 years old.
Digital data should enable faster updates. Because the transition is
expected to take about two to three years, the USGS will continue to
lithographically print high-demand products through FAA. Both new maps
and reprints, including those for than Forest Service Single Edition
quadrangles, will be distributed.

There are many issues regarding this fundamental shift to digital assets
including both technical and distribution-related concerns. Recognizing
that most organizations do not have high-quality plotters readily
available is clearly one of them. We are considering this as part of the
distribution-related aspect in the shift to MoD, looking at alternatives
including working through Business Partners that have plotters as
possibilities. We would like to continue this dialog with you and the
library community regarding the shift to MoD. We are developing a pilot
that will include distribution aspects and will contact you outside of
this response for participating in discussions about the pilot.

There will be more communication about this shift as the plan takes
shape. We're still in the early stages. What we thought would take a few
months has already taken well over a year, so it's still too early to
provide a solid time estimate.
_
Access to Historical Maps and Depository Data_
Regarding historical information, we currently have a topographic map
scanning project underway to ensure that we have a scanned copy of the
last lithographically printed version of each topographic map. While
charging for the reproduction and distribution of data and products is
permitted under the guidelines of OMB Circular A130, it is the general
intention that all the data in the USGS topographic map database will be
accessible as depository data without charge. As we shift to products
based on digital data, that's what we will make available to the
depository program.
_
USGS Counter Sales_
Over the last few years, the USGS has shifted its counter sales from
Federal employees to either an interpretive association (similar to the
National Park Service), or for our Menlo Park, CA, facility, the
California State Geologist Office. The counters are still in USGS
facilities but now can carry a wider variety of products than only
Federal publications. The non-profit nature of those taking over the
sales counter emphasizes education while freeing Federal employees to do
other functions.
_
Changes in USGS Map Production_
In complying with Federal requirements for reviewing organizational
functions in terms of competitive sourcing, the USGS is placing its map
production processes into the newly formed National Geospatial Technical
Operations Center (NGTOC). There will be an open competition for
operating the NGTOC, enabling both of the USGS facilities in Denver, CO,
and Rolla, MO, to submit bids. For additional information on this
activity, please either check the "Newsroom" tab on our bureau website
at _www.usgs.gov_ for the latest news releases or contact Barbara
Wainman at [log in to unmask] or on 703-648-5750.
_
Your June 21, 2006 Email_
Regarding some of your June 21, 2006, statements (/italicized/):
/
* "USGS is no longer supporting new maps in any state." /
The USGS still supports making new maps in the States through developing
partnerships with State, Federal, and Tribal organizations to establish
data-sharing relationships to have the most accurate and up-to-date data
in The National Map. The map production component of The National Map
will be able to produce topographic maps using the local data.
/
"100% of the cost of the revisions will have to be borne by requesting
states. By October, there will be no topographic mapping people at the
USGS." /
The USGS will always have topographic mapping staff. The map production
process, however, is changing. For the most part, the States already
have most, if not all, the data that are needed to make a topographic
map. The USGS role is to foster relationships with all of our partners
(State and Federal) so we have the most current information in The
National Map. It will be developed and maintained by USGS so that
anybody with access to The National Map will be able to view and
download it, or have a map plotted and delivered to them by a business
partner.
/
* "Any states that ask USGS to help them publish maps will be outsourced
to private companies at USGS. In such cases, states may want to go
directly to companies or do it themselves." /
The USGS is committed to working closely with the States particularly
through /The National Map/ program to ensure that the State requirements
are met. As we work more on the pilot discussed above in "USGS
Map-on-Demand," we'll have a clearer picture of how this will work. We
do now and will continue to work through partnerships with State and
Federal agencies which in turn may use the private sector for delivery
of final products.

I hope these responses answer your questions. If not, please feel free
to contact me either by telephone on 703-648-5771, or by email on
[log in to unmask] As mentioned, once we begin working on the
distribution aspect of the MoD pilot, you will be contacted regarding
participation.

Mike




Mike McDermott
U.S. Geological Survey
National Center MS 159
12201 Sunrise Valley Drive
Reston, VA 20192
Tel 703-648-5771
Fax 703-648-6821
Rm 2C-120
Email [log in to unmask]