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NCGMP09 is a proposed standard format for geologic map publications funded by the U.S. Geological Survey's National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program (NCGMP). It is a database design for encoding content analogous to that contained in a traditional geologic map published by the USGS and by state geological surveys. It stipulates an ESRI database format in order to adhere to USGS policy and because this is the GIS most commonly used in the USGS, in the state geological surveys, and in the larger community.
NCGMP09 was introduced at the Digital Mapping Techniques '09 meeting (May, 2009), as version 0.8.2, in order to solicit preliminary comments and testing. Version 1.0 was released October 14, 2009, for presentation at the Geological Society of America's Annual Meeting. In the months following, more extensive evaluations were received, and in response the design evolved. The revised version to be published in the DMT'09 Proceedings and also available here reflects the current manifestation of NCGMP09 (version 1.1). We and an extended group of colleagues will continue to revise the design based on comments received, and intend to release a revised version under a new name in 2011.
The NCGMP09 design is an outcome of more than a decade's work among numerous individuals and projects, in NCGMP and in other programs and in many agencies. In particular, during this period the National Geologic Map Database project (NGMDB) has been charged under the Geologic Mapping Act to support the development of geologic map standards and guidelines. Throughout this time, it has been clear that there is no single "right" approach, that database needs vary from project to project, and these needs may contrast markedly with the long-term requirements for the national database. This design, as noted, is intended to address the needs of geologic mapping projects particularly for data delivery, and so we seek consensus on a design that meets those needs.
We do not consider this design to be final. We hope this design will adapt to evolving needs and expectations, and meet the needs of a larger community of users. We ask that you review the database design and
provide comment so that together we can improve the database design, the documentation that explains it, and the tools and templates that facilitate its use.
Regarding availability and maintenance of this database design, under the authority of the Geologic Mapping Act of 1992 (and subsequent reauthorizations), the National Geologic Map Database project will function on behalf of the NCGMP as coordinator of database design changes and maintenance. This activity will be conducted in cooperation with NCGMP projects and other identified stakeholders (e.g., the Association of American State Geologists).
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