U.S. Geological Survey

[Responses (%) by various groups of respondents to question about recommendations. Major recommendations (50%) are printed in bold italic typeface for each group. a. Show rock types rather than geologic formation; b. Color maps instead of blueline maps; c. Explanatory text written in more elementary language; d. Have more cross sections on maps; e. Produce surficial maps in addition to bedrock maps; f. Add a depiction of engineering or physical properties to maps; g. Have digital maps for GIS in addition to paper maps]

Respondent Group

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

Government: Federal

28

56

16

50

62

41

59

Government: Maryland State

10

53

19

28

57

22

62

Government: County/City

10

45

20

25

35

50

80

Education: K-12

40

56

64

36

44

20

36

Education: College

14

57

23

43

57

40

51

Consultants: Civil Engineering

14

53

23

40

60

67

60

Consultants: Environmental Engineering

15

51

18

36

68

49

55

Consultants: Geological/Engineering Geology

9

59

14

41

68

50

36

 

Archaeologists (private and government)

14

18

9

9

50

9

59

Ecologists/Biologists (private and govt)

35

54

42

23

65

23

65

Hydrologists (private and govt)

14

53

12

50

74

53

61

 

Totals (%) for 319 respondents

17

52

20

38

58

36

55

Three recommendations are in a virtual tie--production of surficial geologic maps in addition to bedrock geologic maps, production of digital maps, and production of maps in full-color instead of "bluelines." Although the Maryland Geological Survey concurs, implementation poses challenges. Furthermore, contrary to an all-too-common misperception, this survey (responses a and c) indicates that geologic maps are not generally considered by their users as too technical.


Return to Results of Statewide User Surveys


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Last modified 15 April 1998
Maintained by John Watson and Kathie Watson