NCGMP09

        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 specifies a database schema to encode content analogous to that contained in a traditional geologic map published by the USGS and 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. Migration to a non-proprietary format, such as the GML-based GeoSciML, is a worthy goal, and the database schema described here was designed with this in mind.
        This 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 ask that you review the document and the schema 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).