Development of a geologic data model for geologic maps

This Web site contains information on activities of the National Geologic Map Database Project (NGMDB). The NGMDB is a collaborative effort primarily involving the USGS and the Association of American State Geologists. This Web site contains informal, generally time-sensitive material intended for project members, cooperators, and interested parties.

Background Information --
Developing a data model
for geologic maps

In August, 1996, in St. Louis, MO, a meeting was held to identify standards and guidelines needed to develop the National Geologic Map Database. The meeting was hosted by the AASG and the National Geologic Map Database project. There, the USGS/AASG Geologic Data Model Working Group was formed to develop a standard data model for digital geologic maps. Minutes of the meeting and the membership and the group's charge are available.

In October, 1997, the Geologic Data Model Working Group released a draft data model for public comment. Software tools have been written that enable the model to be evaluated, and implementation to be tested.

In June, 1998, a workshop to evaluate the data model was held. 28 attendees from the USGS, state geological surveys, and the Canadian federal and provincial surveys attended. A revised data model (v.4.2) and software tools were shown. The attendees supported further development of the model. A meeting summary is available.

Following the data model workshop, revisions were made to the data model, and these were made available to the public as version 4.3.

With completion of the workshop and version 4.3, the objectives of the USGS/AASG geologic data model working group were considered to be met, and the group was dissolved.

In late 1998, the Federal, State, and Provincial geological surveys of the United States and Canada formed the North American Data Model Steering Committee (NADMSC), to continue development of the data model. General information on the Committee process, and progress on the data model and standard science language can be found at http://geology.usgs.gov/dm/.

The National Geologic Map Database continues to develop its data model and science language, in support of the NADMSC and the requirements of the National Geologic Mapping Act. The data model currently under development by the Database project is described in The Central Kentucky Prototype: An Object-Oriented Geologic Map Data Model for the National Geologic Map Database

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This page is <URL:http://ngmdb.usgs.gov/info/standards/datamodel/datamodelWG.html>
Maintained by Dave Soller
last update: Oct. 22, 2003

Background Information -- Developing a data model for geologic maps

Background Information --
Developing a data model
for geologic maps