---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Mon, 26 Aug 2002 08:37:14 -0400
From: Rea L Mueller <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Price Change for USGS Topo Quads

$2 MORE, BUT STILL A BARGAIN FOR A GREAT USGS TOPO MAP

      The price of the popular USGS topographic quadrangle map ? often just
called a "topo" or a "quad" ? will go up $2 per sheet beginning September
1, 2002, but at $6 it's still a great bargain for a wealth of geographic
information.

      The price of USGS topographic quadrangle maps was last increased 7
years ago.  The price of the maps is being adjusted to accurately reflect
and ensure recovery of the costs associated with their reproduction and
distribution.

      "Recently completed pricing studies and cost recovery reports tell us
that the current map price does not allow us to sufficiently recover the
actual costs of reproduction and distribution as we are charged to do by
Office of Management and Budget guidance as part of Circular A-130," said
Karen Siderelis, USGS Geographic Information Officer, whose office governs
the pricing of USGS products and services.

      "USGS topo maps have proven to be an invaluable tool for everyone
from hikers and campers to county planners to emergency response teams,"
said Barbara Ryan, USGS associate director for geography.  Under her
leadership, the USGS is developing The National Map, a seamless,
continuously maintained set of public domain geographic base information
that will serve as a foundation for integrating, sharing, and using other
data easily and consistently.

      "We began publishing topographic maps in 1886 as an aid to scientific
studies," Ryan said.  "Since then we have added considerably to our wealth
of geographic and spatial information ? providing now more than 85,000
different maps and cartographic products.  The topo maps have become a
signature product for the USGS ? it's one of the things that we are most
known for.  While the next generation of mapping data ? The National Map ?
will be available over the Internet and through partnerships with the
private sector, the topo map remains an important 'brand' for USGS."

      The USGS sells its maps and other cartographic products in digital
formats from its distribution center in Denver, Colo., and through a
nationwide network of more than 3,500 business partners in the private
sector who help to ensure that USGS maps are available everywhere on the
landscape.  Information about where and how to purchase USGS maps is
available at http://mapping.usgs.gov and click on "product retailers."

      The nation is covered by more than 57,000 detailed topographic maps
that show the shape and elevations of terrain and delineate a wide range of
natural features and built structures.  The maps are continually updated to
reflect changes in the land surface and to meet new applications.

      USGS maps are particularly useful for planners, engineers, outdoor
enthusiasts, and many others who rely on the USGS to accurately depict the
land surface.  During natural disasters, such as hurricanes, floods and
earthquakes, for example, thousands of USGS map sheets are rushed overnight
to assist emergency agencies in response and recovery efforts.

      The USGS serves the nation by providing reliable scientific
information to: describe and understand the Earth; minimize loss of life
and property from natural disasters; manage water, biological, energy, and
mineral resources; and enhance and
protect our quality of life.