----------------------------Original message----------------------------
Forwarded message:
>
>
> One of my colleagues send this to me. Comments, anyone?
 
Sue Haffner, Map Library, CSU Fresno
 
> ..............
> Forwarded message:
> Date:         Sat, 19 Oct 1996 18:57:14 -0400
> From: Phyllis Frank <[log in to unmask]>
> Subject:      USGS Maps Revision Information
> This is forwarded from the GROUNDWATER listserver.
>
>    ____________________________________________________________________
> The following is a summary gleaned from a recent flyer written by Mr. Don
> Haney, Chairman, Assn. of American State Geologists' Subcommittee on
> Topographic Mapping:
>
> The USGS is in the process of drastically changing the form and content of
> 7.5-min. quadrangle topo maps.  The proposed changes will degrade the quality
>
> of these maps and have a negative impact on the majority of individuals who
> use these maps.  Recently the increasing demand for digital- map data has
> prompted the USGS to reevaluate the types of information that will be
> maintained on topo maps and how this information will be made available to
> the
> public.  The proposed changes that will degrade the
> quality of the paper maps include, but are not limited to, the following:
>
> 1. Topo contours will no longer be revised, except in cases where
> specifically requested and funded by individual states.  The possibility of
> completely omitting contours from the printed maps has also been discussed.
>
> 2. Woodland areas, shown by green overprint, will not be revised.
>
> 3. Buildings will no longer be classified as to type: no distinction will
> be made between housed, barns, schools, etc.
>
> 4. Urban areas will be indicated by a gray tint, and most individual
> buildings and landmarks will not be identified.
>
> 5. The level of content, particularly for features requiring field
> verification, will be reduced.
>
> 6. The quality of print produced from digital maps is generally poor, and
> the maps are difficult to read.
>
> The USGS is proposing that digital data for hydrography (streams and
> lakes), transportation (roads), boundaries (state and county lines), public
> land surveys, and elevation (digital elevation models, not contours) be
> revised and maintained in electronic format.  The remaining map information
> (contours, vegetation, man-made features) would not be maintained.
>
> The USGS evaluated the needs of map users in a questionnaire distributed to
> approximately 18,500 professional users.  However, 60 % of the responses used
>
> in the evaluation were submitted by individuals primarily from the GIS user
> community.  The needs of the majority of individuals, agencies, and companies
>
> who depend on paper copies for map information have not been adequately
> evaluated.  Unfortunately, most of these users are not even aware of the
> impending changes.
>
> For more information contact Mr. Haney at (606)257-5500; Fax:(606)257-1147
>                                     e-mail: [log in to unmask]
>
> Note:  I (original author) contacted Mr. Haney, who was kind enough to send
> me the name of a
> contact person at the USGS.  He suggested that concerns about these changes
> be directed to Gordon Eaton, Director, USGS, National Center, Reston VA
> 22092 and Patricia Beneke, Asst. Secretary for Water & Science, US Dept. of
> the Interior, Main Interior Bldg., 1859 C St., NW, Washington, DC 20240.
> He said that Gordon answers directly to Asst. Sec. Beneke, and she is
> familiar with the topt situation and would welcome your remarks.
>
> Phyllis Frank
> Houston, TX
> [log in to unmask]
>