Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Rocky Mountain CESU Grant: Cartographic Enhancement for New Generation Topographic Maps Graphics

. The USGS took over responsibility for mapping the country in 1879 and has been the primary civilian mapping agency of the United States ever since. The best known USGS maps are the 1:24,000-scale topographic maps, also known as 7.5-minute quadrangles. More than 55,000 7.5-minute maps were made to cover the 48 conterminous States. This is the only uniform map series that covers the entire area of the United States in considerable detail. The 7.5-minute map series was officially completed in 1992, and the program was replaced by digital The National Map in 2001. Subsequently, the new digital topo maps should take advantage of new cartographic techniques to ensure business areas whether recreation, emergency operations, planning, and many others can optimally utilize these new graphic products. Research is needed to investigate procedures, and product designs for the new generation of graphic maps.

The objective of this project is to research and optimize use of shading, symbology, colors, line weights and other cartographic elements that will allow business areas to discover and optimize maps information for many purposes and projects.
Elements to be accomplished through this cooperative agreement:
Research into modification of topographic maps leading to new generation map graphics products that will:
1.make it easier for customers to meet their programmatic needs/requirements
2.provide unique business area specific map products
3. Manipulation of map scale, change color schemes, fonts, shading, symbology and other map attributes to optimize the usability of the map for specific uses such recreation, emergency response, ecosystem/natural resource research and other scientific purposes, or general use.
4.optimize graphics changes as needed to accommodate the media of release such as over the web, on paper, use on mobile devices.

Specific deliverables/product from this study will include: sample printed maps, digital output that illustrate the four above focuses of this research. At end of the study presentation to NGPO staff on products and methods to achieve graphic products developed in the study.

Quarterly reviews will occur as to progress and allow input from NGPO to input on, modify or in a minor way adjust focus of study and the deliverables.

4.Budget breakdown (salary, overhead, travel, equipment, office expenses, etc)
$25,000

The USGS will provide the access to digital files of topographic map products and new digital databases containing the The National Map digitial national data
files

This project will supplement and add perspective to the USGS mission of providing the nation with data that can be used to better manage the nation’s lands. Assistance to resource managers and the public relates directly to this goal and the creation and maintenance of effective partnerships among federal agencies and universities to share resources and expertise is inherent in the process.