Wed, 4 Aug 1993 12:18:18 EDT
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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
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