----------------------------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] >