Part B
LEAD FEDERAL AGENCY/BUREAU AND/OR SUBCOMMITTEE/WORKING GROUP REPORT (Agencies With Lead Responsibilities Assigned under Current Circular A-16 Authorities) (Please provide a separate report for each activity for which you have the lead)
1. Program/Activity Name:
Subcommittee on Geologic Data
2. What are the programs this data supports?
National Cooperative Geologic Map Database (developed by USGS in concert with the Association of American State Geologists and the Geological Survey of Canada). The North American Digital Geologic Map Data Model is an incipient project of the subcommittee.
Very Briefly Describe All Applicable Items:
3. Uses of Data: What are the end uses of this data? How does it benefit customers, support lead and other agency missions, etc.?
Geologic data form the scientific framework for all investigations of natural phenomena at and below the surface of the Earth.
4. Charter/Plan: Do you have a current charter or plan for collection? Should it be updated?
Collection of geologic data occurs as part of the mission responsibilities of federal, state, and provincial geological survey organizations in the US and Canada. Collating geologic map data is an explicit responsibility of the USGS through the National Geologic Mapping Act.
5. Metadata: What is the status of metadata? Is it discoverable and served through the NSDI Clearinghouse? What percentage of this theme's data has metadata and is in a Clearinghouse node?
Printed geologic maps are described with extended bibliographic metadata in the catalog of the National Geologic Map Database. Digital geologic map data, where available, are described using complete FGDC metadata at http://geo-nsdi.er.usgs.gov/
6. Standards: What is the status of this theme's data, process, transfer, and classification standards?
A standard for geologic map symbolization is in review. A data model for digital geologic maps is in early development.
7. Progress: List FY 2000/2001 activities/progress to date (quantify where possible)
8. Leadership: Describe your active leadership role with others (private, local, State, Federal) who collect and use this data.
USGS coordinates the development of the National Geologic Map Database as well as closely-allied geoscience databases in geologic hazards, mineral and energy resources.
9. Collaborative Partnerships: How many major partnerships with others do you have on this theme? (list if desired)
Major partnerships are with the Association of American State Geologists (representing the state geological surveys) and the Geological Survey of Canada. An explicit memorandum of understanding governs the collaboration between USGS and the GSC towards development of the digital geologic map data model.
10. Scope: Are you engaged in broad participation and international/global coordination?
Yes, Canada has contributed information and participated in discussions.
11. Policy: Do you have a policy in place for full and open access or data sharing?
12. Are there areas or issues regarding lead responsibilities for spatial data themes that require attention, or lessons-learned that you would like to share with others? Please describe.