----------------------------Original message----------------------------
For Release: (Date of Release)
 
TECHNICAL ANNOUNCEMENT
National Mapping Division                              Michael K. Linck, Jr.
U.S. Geological Survey                                        (703) 648-4667
 
 
INTERNET ACCESS TO USGS NMD COMPUTER SOFTWARE AND DOCUMENTATION
 
The National Mapping Division of the U.S. Geological Survey now offers certain
of its computer software programs and associated documentation on Internet.
 
The NMD provides a national series of base cartographic data.  Computer
software supporting these data is primarily in the FORTRAN language.  The
software programs are supported on a variety of mainframe, minicomputer, and
workstation hardware platforms.  This software was previously available to the
general public only on 9-track magnetic tape or diskette through the Earth
Sciences Information Center (ESIC) for a nominal reproduction and handling
fee.  Fifteen FORTRAN programs, sample data and job control language are now
available on Internet using file transfer protocol (FTP).
 
A limited amount of soft-copy computer program documentation is  also
available in both Word Perfect and ASCII.  Additional documentation will be
added.  Any documentation not available via FTP can be obtained in hard copy
from USGS's Earth Sciences Information Center for a nominal charge.  Ordering
information and price quotes may be obtained by calling 1-800-USA-MAPS.
 
The following information is required to connect to program files on Internet
using FTP:
 
Internet Address:    nmdpow9.er.usgs.gov (or 130.11.52.92)
 
User Name:           anonymous
 
Password:            (enter at least one character)
 
Note: The user name must be entered in lower case.
 
After login, an ASCII-formatted introductory file README.DOC can be obtained
from the public directory by entering the "cd public" command and the "get
readme.doc" command.  README.DOC contains current information on the
subdirectories and their files.  The "dir" command provides information on the
file sizes in bytes and the date the file was last updated.  The "binary" or
"image" command permits file transfer of all types, whether ASCII,
WordPerfect, direct access, or executable, before using the "get" command.
 
Further information concerning NMD software and associated documentation is
available from Mike Linck at:
 
Phone:               (703) 648-4667
 
Internet E-mail:     [log in to unmask]
 
U.S. Mail:           U.S. Geological Survey
                     510 National Center
                     Reston, VA  22092
 
                               *****USGS*****