Weaving a National Map

The NRC report describes how "The National Map initiative would gain from improved definition so that the unprecedented number of partners needed for success will become energized to participate. The challenges faced by USGS in implementing "The National Map are more organizational than technical. To succeed, the USGS will need to continue to learn from challenges encountered in its ongoing pilot studies as well as from other federal-led programs that have partnered with multiple sectors.



"Weaving a National Map draws on contributions to a September 2002 workshop and the U.S. Geological Survey's (USGS) "vision" document for "The National Map, envisioned by the USGS as a database providing "public domain core geographic data about the United States and its territories that other agencies can extend, enhance, and reference as they concentrate on maintaining other data that are unique to their needs." The demand for up-to-date information in real time for public welfare and safety informs this need to update an aging paper map series that is, on average, 23 years old.

Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1 INTRODUCTION
History
Current Context
Highlights of the USGS Vision Document
The Charge to the Committee
Report Structure
2 THE NEED FOR A NATIONAL MAP
Introduction
Stakeholders and Their Needs
Changing Roles, Familiar Issues
Benefits and Challenges of Sharing Data
Blankets and Quilts
Summary
3 COMPONENTS OF A NATIONAL MAP
Introduction
A Context for The National Map
Paper Maps
Proposed Data Content
Proposed Data Characteristics
Archiving Data
Volunteers
The Public Domain
Summary
4 IMPLEMENTATION OF A NATIONAL MAP
Introduction
Next Steps for the USGS
Challenges
Roles
Culture Change
Research Needs
Determining User Requirements
Summary
5 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Introduction
Overarching Conclusions
The Roles of the USGS in Partnerships
Ensuring Participation in and Widespread Use and Maintenance of The National Map
Data Characteristics and Methods
REFERENCES
APPENDIXES
A Biographical Sketches of Committee Members
B Oral and Written Contributions
C Previous Recommendations and Observations on National Mapping Activities
D Selected Points Raised in Written Comments of Workshop Participants
E Acronyms