This message is from Elizabeth Mangan.  Subject line was added by the Maps-L
Moderator.--------------Johnnie
 
 
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>Date: Thu, 14 May 1998 14:09:45 -0400
>From: Elizabeth U Mangan <[log in to unmask]>
 
 
I have been consulting with NIMA on the conversion of their bibliographic and map production data to
USMARC format for a newly acquired ILS.  In the process only one series of data elements were identified as
needing accommodation in USMARC, the coding system used to identify the geographic area covered.
 
The primary source for this information if FIPS 10-4 (Countries, dependencies, areas of special sovereignty, and
their principal administrative divisions) which is available online
(http://www.nist.gov/itl/div897/pubs/fip10-4.htm).  For water bodies and non-sovereign geographic areas, NIMA
maintains "Water body reference data set," a two character alpha-numeric code list, which is also available
online (http://diides.ncr.disa.mil/shade/shade.html) and a code list for non-water bodies which they have agreed
to make available online.  Additionally, when the geographic area is a populated place, NIMA codes the country
from FIPS 10-4 and also records the place name, as approved by BGN.
 
It seems that because these codes and place names are used in naming the sheets of NIMA's publications, the
codes are recognized and understood by many who work with maps.  Additionally, because of the level of
cooperation between many national mapping agencies, most related to the defense community, this coding
system could be identified as U.S. Department of Defense or perhaps Defense agencies is a broader concept is
appropriate and applicable.
 
The entire proposal, 98-14, to be presented to MARBI during ALA annual meeting is available online on the
MARC standards page at LC  (http://www.loc.gov/marc/).
 
Please let me know you opinion on this proposal.  How widely is this geographic coding system used or
recognized?  Is this same system used in other countries?  As USMARC becomes more universal (UMARC) are
there other coding systems for geographic area that should be accommodated?
 
While I am interested in everyone's thoughts on this, I am especially interested in comments from non-US
MAPS-L subscribers.  You can respond to me personally ([log in to unmask]), or to the list.
 
 
Elizabeth U. Mangan
Head Technical Services Section
Geography and Map Division
Library of Congress
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