----------------------------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*****