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        Kathryn & MAPS-L:
 
        I'm sure someone from USGS will answer this query as well but here
        are my comments:
 
                1.  Both are "products" of the USGS
                2.  The ESDD (Earth Science Data Directory) pre-dated GLIS
                    (Global Land Information System) by many years.
                3.  ESDD "indexes" manual and automated systems and
                    databases that relate in any way to earth
                    science.  Geology, soil, water, weather, climate, ...
                    Books, maps, aerial photographs, ...
                    Mr. C.R. Baskin (now retired) was most instrumental
                    in the development of this database.  This database can
                    be accessed online if you establish a password etc. via
                    USGS in Reston.  You may also get paper printouts whic
                    of course become dates immediately.
                    For several years ESDD was available from OCLC on their
                    Earth Science CDs which were seased and Silver Platter
                    was supposed to pick up.  They haven't yet.  I spoke to
                    them about this at the SLA Annual Conference in
                    Cincinnati, OH - everyone should call them and ask
                    about the atatus of their products.  Besides ESDD the
                    CDs conatined the holdings of the USGS main library in
                    Reston (since ca. 1976) and the index to geologic maps
                    (formerly from Kit Fuller).
 
                4.  The GLIS provides access primarily to satellite and
                    remote sensing data and is maintained out of EROS in
                    in Sioux Falls, SD.  You again must have password. etc.
                    but you must also have the software to operate the
                    system.
 
                5.  They are both free to access (if you don't count the
                    telephone line charges)
 
 
        The major difference between GLIS and ESDD as I see it is that GLIS
        is a database unto itself and can "point" you to data and
        information while ESDD "points" you to other data bases which you
        then must query to find the data and information - manual &
        automated.  Different offices/different budgets.
 
        Some day I'm sure that we will see a merging og GLIS, ESDD, APSRS,
        MCIS, and any and all automated USGS information systems.
 
        Jim Minton
        [log in to unmask]
        615-974-4315