David R. Soller, USGS

David R. Soller

Geologist, U.S. Geological Survey

Current position

Chief, National Geologic Map Database project -- Development and management of science databases for support of societal decisionmaking and scientific research are critical and widely recognized needs. The National Geologic Mapping Act of 1992 stipulated creation and maintenance of a National Geologic Map Database (NGMDB, http://ngmdb.usgs.gov), as a national archive of spatially-referenced geoscience data. The Act further stipulates that all new information contributed to the NGMDB should adhere to technical and science standards that are to be developed as needed under the guidance of the NGMDB project. Development of a national database and its attendant standards is a daunting task requiring close collaboration among all geoscience agencies in the U.S., at the State and Federal levels. The Act, therefore, creates the environment for the USGS and the Association of American State Geologists (AASG) to collaborate to build the NGMDB and also serve the needs of their own agencies. In 1995, I led the process in which the NGMDB project plan was defined, and since that time I have been responsible for executing and adapting that plan. The NGMDB has evolved into a highly respected geoscience resource, and its impact on the evolution of digital geologic mapping standards and guidelines, in the U.S. and internationally, has been highly significant.

Contact information

U.S. Geological Survey
926A National Center
Reston, VA 20192
tel. -- (703) 648-6907
fax -- (703) 648-6977
e-mail -- drsoller@usgs.gov

Employment and education

1981-present -- Geologist, U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA
1984 -- Ph.D. (Geology), George Washington University, Washington, D.C.
1984 -- Geologist, SCS Engineers, Reston, VA
1979-82 -- General scientist, Phoenix Corp., McLean, VA
1978-79 -- Geologist, Mobil Oil Co., New Orleans, LA
1978 -- M.S. (Geology), Miami University, Oxford, OH
1976 -- B.S. (Geology) College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA

Professional interests and goals

Improve the quality and accessibility of earth-science information available to the public. This work is conducted through the USGS National Geologic Map Database project and various committees.
Contribute to scientific advances in the earth sciences, principally through research into the three-dimensional distribution of surficial geologic materials.
Develop new methods of quantitative analysis and interpretation of digital earth-science information, and conduct interdisciplinary research leading to new applications for that information in a decisionmaking setting.
These interests and goals are supported by experience that includes: managing a complex, technology-oriented project; standards development; three-dimensional geologic mapping; benefit-cost studies and econometric analysis; applications of geologic information to hydrogeologic and land use issues; clay mineralogy and weathering profiles; neotectonics; GIS techniques; programming; and Website development.

Appointments and committee assignments (previous assignments italicized)

Fellow, Geological Society of America
Chair, Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) Geologic Data Subcommittee
Coordinator, U.S. Geologic Map Symbol Standards Committee
Coordinator, AASG/USGS Data Capture Working Group
Coordinator, AASG/USGS Data Information Exchange Working Group
Council Member, IUGS Commission for the Management and Application of Geoscience Information ("CGI")
Coordinator, North American Geologic Map Data Model Steering Committee ("NADM")
Member, Digital Map Standards Working Group, for the Commission for the Geologic Map of the World
Acting Assistant Chief Geologist for Information, USGS
Program Deputy for Digital Mapping, USGS National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program (http://ncgmp.usgs.gov)
Chair, USGS Geologic Division Information Council
Geology Editor, USGS National Atlas
Chair, USGS Eastern Region Computer Committee
Member, FGDC Coordination Group
Member, FGDC Standards Working Group

Selected publications and products
NOTE: does not include presentations, lectures, and abstracts. Website products are at http://ngmdb.usgs.gov/.

(1) Mapping, science, and applications:

Soller, D.R., Packard, P.H., and Garrity, C.P., 2012, Database for USGS Map I-1970 -- Map showing the thickness and character of Quaternary sediments in the glaciated United States east of the Rocky Mountains: U.S. Geological Survey Data Series 656. [http://pubs.usgs.gov/ds/656/.]
Cress, Jill, Soller, David, Sayre, Roger, Comer, Patrick, and Warner, Harumi, 2010, Terrestrial ecosystems -- surficial lithology of the conterminous United States: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Map SIM-3126, scale 1:5,000,000. [http://pubs.usgs.gov/sim/3126/]
Soller, D.R., Reheis, M.C., Garrity, C.P., and Van Sistine, D.R., 2009, Map database for surficial materials in the conterminous United States: U.S. Geological Survey Data Series 425, scale 1:5,000,000. [http://pubs.usgs.gov/ds/425/]
Garrity, C.P., and Soller, D.R., 2009, Database of the Geologic Map of North America; adapted from the map by J.C. Reed, Jr. and others (2005): U.S. Geological Survey Data Series 424. [http://pubs.usgs.gov/ds/424/]
Soller, D.R., and Reheis, M.C., compilers, 2004, Surficial materials in the conterminous United States: U.S. Geological Survey Open-file Report 03-275, scale 1:5,000,000. [http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2003/of03-275/]
Soller, D.R., 2004, Geologic mapping, in McGraw-Hill Yearbook of Science and Technology: New York, McGraw Hill Company, p. 128-130.
Soller, D.R., 2004, Thickness and character of Quaternary sediments in the glaciated United States east of the Rocky Mountains, in Ehlers, J., and Gibbard, P.L., eds., Quaternary glaciations -- Extent and chronology, Part II: North America: Developments in Quaternary Science, Elsevier B.V., Amsterdam, p. 363-372.
Soller, D.R., Price, S.D., Kempton, J.P., and Berg, R.C., 1999, Three-dimensional geologic maps of Quaternary sediments in east-central, Illinois: U.S. Geological Survey Geologic Investigations Series Map I-2669, scale 1:500,000. [http://pubs.usgs.gov/imap/i-2669/]
Soller, D.R., Price, S.D., Berg, R.C., and Kempton, J.P., 1998, A method for three-dimensional mapping: U.S. Geological Survey Open-file Report 98-487, p. 79-84.
Soller, D.R., and Packard, P.H., 1998, Digital representation of a map showing the thickness and character of Quaternary sediments in the glaciated United States east of the Rocky Mountains: U.S. Geological Survey Digital Data Series DDS #38, one CD-ROM. [Digital version of USGS map I-1970-A, B, C, D and OFR 93-543.]
Campbell, R.H., Bernknopf, R.L., and Soller, D.R., 1998, Mapping time-dependent changes in soil slip-debris flow probability: U.S. Geological Survey Miscellaneous Investigations Series Map I-2586, scale 1:24,000.
Bernknopf, R.L., Brookshire, D.S., McKee, M., and Soller, D.R., 1997, Estimating the social value of geologic map information: a regulatory application: Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, v. 32, p. 204-218.
Soller, D.R., and Bernknopf, R.L., 1994, Geologic information and land use decisions: Geotimes, April 1994, p. 12-14 and cover illustration.
Bernknopf, R.L., and Soller, D.R., 1994, Earthquake hazard mitigation: using science for safety decisions: U.S. Geological Survey Open-file Report 94-172, 40 p. [http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/1994/0172/report.pdf]
Bernknopf, R.L., Brookshire, D.S., Soller, D.R., McKee, M.J., Sutter, J.F., Matti, J.C., and Campbell, R.H., 1993, Societal value of geologic maps: U.S. Geological Survey Circular 1111, 53 p. [http://pubs.usgs.gov/circ/1993/1111/report.pdf]
Soller, D.R., 1993 and 2001, Map showing the thickness and character of Quaternary sediments in the glaciated United States east of the Rocky Mountains: U.S. Geological Survey Open-file Report 93-543, superseded by: Miscellaneous Investigations Series Map I-1970-E, scale 1:3,500,000. [Map prepared upon request from Smithsonian Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum, for exhibition "The Power of Maps", Nov. 9, 1993 - Jan. 23, 1994.]
Soller, D.R., 1993-1998, Map showing the thickness and character of Quaternary sediments in the glaciated United States east of the Rocky Mountains: U.S. Geological Survey Miscellaneous Investigations Series Map I-1970-A -B -C -D, scale 1:1,000,000.
American Society for Testing and Materials, 1997, Standard guide for selection of methods for assessing ground water or aquifer sensitivity and vulnerability: ASTM Designation: D 6030-96, p. 968-975.
Soller, D.R., 1992, Text and references to accompany "Map showing the thickness and character of Quaternary sediments in the glaciated United States east of the Rocky Mountains": U.S. Geological Survey Bulletin 1921, 54 p. [http://pubs.usgs.gov/bul/1921/]
Soller, D.R., and Berg, R.C., 1992, Using regional geologic information to assess relative aquifer contamination potential -- an example from the central United States: U.S. Geological Survey Open-file Report 92-694, scale 1:1,000,000.
Soller, D.R., and Berg, R.C., 1992, A model for the assessment of aquifer contamination potential based on regional geologic framework: Environmental Geology and Water Science, v.19, no.3, p. 205-213.
Soller, D.R., 1992, Applying the DRASTIC model -- a review of county-scale maps: U.S. Geological Survey Open-file Report 92-297, 36 p. [http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/1992/0297a/report.pdf]
Soller, D.R., and Mills, H.H., 1991, Surficial geology and geomorphology, in Horton, J.W., Jr., and Zullo, V.A., eds., The Geology of the Carolinas: The University of Tennessee Press, Knoxville, p. 290-308.
Soller, D.R., and Owens, J.P., 1991, The use of mineralogic techniques as relative age indicators for weathering profiles on the Atlantic Coastal Plain, USA: Geoderma, v. 51, p. 111-131.
Rapp, R.H., Rinehart, W.A., Simkin, T., Seibert, L., Zoback, M.L., Bonilla, M.G., Moore, G.W., and Soller, D.R., 1990, Geodynamic map of the Circum-Pacific region, Arctic sheet: U.S. Geological Survey Circum-Pacific Map CP-38, scale 1:10,000,000.
Soller, D.R., 1989, A regional three-dimensional map of Laurentide glacial sediments in the United States: Overview and applications for hydrogeology and land use, in Struckmeier, W.F., Chairman, Memoires of the International Symposium on hydrogeological maps as tools for economic and social development: Hannover, May 30 - June 2, 1989, International Association of Hydrogeologists, p. 107-114.
Kempton, J.P., Berg, R.C., and Soller, D.R., 1989, Hydrogeological applications to regional three-dimensional lithostratigraphic mapping, in Struckmeier, W.F., Chairman, Memoires of the International Symposium on hydrogeological maps as tools for economic and social development: Hannover, May 30 - June 2, 1989, International Association of Hydrogeologists, p. 423-426.
Soller, D.R., 1988, Geology and tectonic history of the lower Cape Fear River valley, southeastern North Carolina: U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 1466-A, scale 1:250,000. [http://pubs.usgs.gov/pp/1466a/report.pdf]
U.S. EPA and USGS, 1988, Hydrogeologic mapping needs for ground-water protection and management: Discussion Guide and Workshop Report, May 10-12, 1988, 33 p.
Soller, D.R., 1986, Preliminary map showing the thickness of glacial deposits in Ohio: U.S. Geological Survey Miscellaneous Field Studies Map MF-1862, scale 1:500,000.
Rapp, R.H., Zoback, M.L., Koide, H., Mauk, F.J., Tarr, A.C., Moore, G.W., Kinugasa, Y., Simkin, T., Siebert, L., Soller, D.R., and Brown, R.D., 1985, Geodynamic map of the Circum-Pacific region, northwest quadrant: U.S. Geological Survey Circum-Pacific Map Series, scale 1:10,000,000.
Soller, D.R., 1984, The Quaternary history and stratigraphy of the Cape Fear River valley: Ph.D Dissertation, George Washington University, 192 p.
Soller, D.R., Ray, R.D., and Brown, R.D., 1982, A new global crustal thickness map: Tectonics, v. 1, no. 2, p. 125-149.
Soller, D.R., 1981, World magnetic survey coverage: Phoenix Corporation, McLean, VA, 13 p.
Soller, D.R., 1978, The stratigraphy and clay mineralogy of Pleistocene deposits of the Lewisburg quadrangle, southwestern Ohio: M.S. Thesis, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, 128 p., scale 1:24,000.

(2) Providing standardized geoscience information for the public and for decisionmaking:
NOTE: The Digital Mapping Techniques Proceedings listed below are the outcome of a highly regarded set of technical workshops and meetings conducted each year since 1997. Numerous papers regarding the NGMDB and standards development are contained therein. We are building a free-text search page to permit these papers to be readily found. In the interim, please direct questions to me, and also see the NGMDB's Standards and Guidelines page.

Soller, D.R., editor, 2012, Digital Mapping Techniques '10 -- Workshop proceedings: U.S. Geological Survey Open-file Report 2012-1171 (not yet online).
Soller, D.R., editor, 2010, Digital Mapping Techniques '09 -- Workshop proceedings: U.S. Geological Survey Open-file Report 2010-1335, 260 p.
Soller, D.R., editor, 2009, Digital Mapping Techniques '08 -- Workshop proceedings: U.S. Geological Survey Open-file Report 2009-1298, 216 p.
Soller, D.R., editor, 2008, Digital Mapping Techniques '07 -- Workshop proceedings: U.S. Geological Survey Open-file Report 2008-1385, 140 p.
Soller, D.R., editor, 2007, Digital Mapping Techniques '06 -- Workshop proceedings: U.S. Geological Survey Open-file Report 2007-1285, 217 p.
U.S. Geological Survey, 2006, FGDC Digital Cartographic Standard for Geologic Map Symbolization (PostScript Implementation): U.S. Geological Survey Techniques and Methods 11-A2. [http://pubs.usgs.gov/tm/2006/11A02/]
Federal Geographic Data Committee [prepared for the Federal Geographic Data Committee by the U.S. Geological Survey], 2006, FGDC Digital Cartographic Standard for Geologic Map Symbolization: Reston, Va., Federal Geographic Data Committee Document Number FGDC-STD-013-2006, 290 p. [http://ngmdb.usgs.gov/fgdc_gds/.
Soller, D.R., and Berg, T.M., 2005, The U.S. National Geologic Map Database project: Overview & Progress, in Ostaficzuk, S.R., ed., The Current Role of Geological Mapping in Geosciences -- Proceedings of the NATO Advanced Research Workshop on Innovative Applications of GIS in Geological Cartography, Kazimierz Dolny, Poland, 24-26 November 2003: Springer-Verlag, p. 245-277.
Soller, D.R., editor, 2005, Digital Mapping Techniques '05 -- Workshop proceedings: U.S. Geological Survey Open-file Report 2005-1428, 268 p.
Soller, D.R., editor, 2004, Digital Mapping Techniques '04 -- Workshop proceedings: U.S. Geological Survey Open-file Report 2004-1451, 220 p.
Soller, D.R., editor, 2003, Digital Mapping Techniques '03 -- Workshop proceedings: U.S. Geological Survey Open-file Report 03-471, 262 p.
Soller, D.R., editor, 2002, Digital Mapping Techniques '02 -- Workshop proceedings: U.S. Geological Survey Open-file Report 02-370, 214 p.
Soller, D.R., editor, 2001, Digital Mapping Techniques '01 -- Workshop proceedings: U.S. Geological Survey Open-file Report 01-223, 248 p.
Soller, D.R., editor, 2000, Digital Mapping Techniques '00 -- Workshop proceedings: U.S. Geological Survey Open-file Report 00-325, 209 p.
U.S. Geological Survey, 2000, Public Review Draft -- Digital Cartographic Standard for Geologic Map Symbolization (PostScript Implementation): U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 99-430, one CD-ROM.
Federal Geographic Data Committee [prepared for the Federal Geographic Data Committee by the U.S. Geological Survey], 2000, Public Review Draft -- Digital Cartographic Standard for Geologic Map Symbolization: Reston, Va., Federal Geographic Data Committee.
Soller, D.R., editor, 1999, Digital Mapping Techniques '99 -- Workshop proceedings: U.S. Geological Survey Open-file Report 99-386, 216 p.
Soller, D.R., editor, 1998, Digital Mapping Techniques '98 -- Workshop proceedings: U.S. Geological Survey Open-file Report 98-487, 134 p.
Soller, D.R., editor, 1997, Proceedings of a workshop on digital mapping techniques: Methods for geologic map data capture, management, and publication: U.S. Geological Survey Open-file Report 97-269, 120 p.
Soller, D.R., and Berg, T.M., 1995, Developing the National Geologic Map Database: Geotimes, v. 40, no. 6, p. 16-18.
Soller, D.R., Stettner, W.R., Lanfear, K.J., and Aitken, D.S., 1990, A user's manual for a method of map scanning and digital editing for thematic map production and data-base construction: U.S. Geological Survey Circular 1054, 38 p. [http://pubs.usgs.gov/circ/1990/1054/report.pdf]

This page is http://ngmdb.usgs.gov/Info/drs.html
Last updated Aug. 12, 2012