A Synthesis Engine for Constructing Geologic Maps of the United States
Links
- Document: Report (9.42 MB pdf) , HTML , XML
- Table: Data Dictionary (52.0 KB csv)
- Data Releases:
- USGS data release - Cooperative National Geologic Map—Quaternary geology
- USGS data release - Cooperative National Geologic Map—Earth’s surface geology
- USGS data release - Cooperative National Geologic Map—Pre-Quaternary geology
- USGS data release - Cooperative National Geologic Map—Precambrian geology
- USGS data release - Geospatial database for the cooperative national geologic maps
- NGMDB Index Page: National Geologic Map Database Index Page (html)
- Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core
Abstract
The geologic history of the United States is cataloged in thousands of geologic maps produced during many decades. However, the disparate nature of these individual maps makes it challenging to assess resources, research geologic histories, or characterize natural hazards holistically across the Nation. The U.S. House of Representatives 2020 appropriations bill for the U.S. Department of the Interior (H.R. 116-100) requires the U.S. Geological Survey to “bring together detailed national and continental-resolution [two-dimensional] and [three-dimensional] information produced throughout the Survey and by [F]ederal and [S]tate partners.” In response to this directive, this report presents a compilation and synthesis of geologic maps across the United States in the form of a relational database. The synthesis database includes thematic maps that synthesize the Nation’s geology, and retains the original input maps as well as linkages to standardized vocabularies to aid the discoverability of geologic information. Specifically, the synthesis database is targeted toward producing four National-resolution maps for the conterminous United States: Quaternary geology, the geology at the Earth’s surface, pre-Quaternary geology, and Precambrian geology. In addition, the synthesis database includes the infrastructure necessary to expand to additional resolutions in the future.
Suggested Citation
Johnstone, S.A., Colgan, J.P., and Roe, W.P., 2025, A synthesis engine for constructing geologic maps of the United States: U.S. Geological Survey Data Report 1210, 36 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/dr1210.
ISSN: 2771-9448 (online)
Study Area
Table of Contents
- Acknowledgments
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Goals and Background
- Data Structure
- Populating the Synthesis Database
- Summary
- References Cited
- Appendix 1. Example Queries for Working with the Map Synthesis Database
| Publication type | Report |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Title | A synthesis engine for constructing geologic maps of the United States |
| Series title | Data Report |
| Series number | 1210 |
| DOI | 10.3133/dr1210 |
| Publication Date | August 27, 2025 |
| Year Published | 2025 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | U.S. Geological Survey |
| Publisher location | Reston VA |
| Contributing office(s) | Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center |
| Description | Report: vi, 36 p.; Table; 4 Data Releases |
| Country | United States |
| Other Geospatial | conterminous United States |
| Online Only (Y/N) | Y |