ISGS Mapping Programs
Great Lakes Geologic Mapping Coalition
The state geological surveys of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio and
the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) joined in 1999 to form the Great Lakes Geologic Mapping Coalition to focus on new geologic mapping
in the Great Lakes states. Recently, the state surveys of Minnesota,
Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and New York have joined and the Coalition name
was changed to the current form. The purpose of the Coalition is to
promote geologic mapping, both 2-D and 3-D, that specifically addresses
the need for maps with the types of information decision-makers need
regarding groundwater assessments, environmental protection, mineral
resource availability, and earth hazard mitigation. By combining and
utilizing the expertise and resources from the nine surveys, key
scientific questions, such as the origin, nature, distribution, and
resource potential of the glacial deposits, can be more effectively
addressed. The Coalition members have prioritized areas for study within
their respective states. Large digital databases have been compiled and
3-D mapping techniques are being used to analyze, interpret, and
visualize geologic sediments from landsurface to top of bedrock. The
databases are being used by Coalition hydrogeologists to model
groundwater flow and address various groundwater issues. A variety of map
scales are used ranging from 1:24,000-scale, quadrangle-based areas to
1:100,000-scale regional maps. A number of intermediate scales and very
large scale maps are produced to illustrate specific issues. High
resolution digital elevation models derived from LiDAR data have proven
valuable as base materials for detailed landscape analysis. All of the
products will be available for viewing at the Coalition website, and the
Illinois products can be viewed at the ISGS web site. The Coalition
mapping is ongoing. New products are being developed and new
visualization techniques are being applied to better illustrate the
research results and distribute the products to federal, state, county,
municipal, and public agencies, as well as the public in general.
EDMAP
EDMAP is a program of the U.S. Geological Survey that provides funding
to colleges and universities, to support student training in geologic
mapping. The products of this program are 1:24,000-scale geologic maps
that are produced by students, under the supervision of a faculty
advisor. ISGS makes these maps available as a courtesy to the
participating universities to provide students and faculty with a means
to permanently reference their mapping efforts and to further encourage
Illinois' academic institutions to participate in this worthwhile
educational program. EDMAP products have not been reviewed by ISGS and
do not conform to ISGS standards. They are available only as free
downloadable PDF files through the ISGS Web site.
STATEMAP
STATEMAP is a program of the U.S. Geological Survey that provides
cost-share support for geologic mapping to states on a competitive basis.
The products of this program are 1:24,000-scale maps of bedrock and
surficial geology and are produced within a one-year timeframe. STATEMAP
products have not been formally reviewed and may not conform to ISGS
cartographic standards. Most are available only as downloadable PDF
files through the ISGS Web site. Many STATEMAP products are revised and
published as IPGM or IGQ maps.
ISGS Library
ISGS Publications catalog
Information and Sales Office
Updated 10/21/2011 SLD