- The National Map Corps
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The National Map Corps consists of volunteers who devote some of their time to provide cartographic information to the U.S. Geological Survey. The only requirements to participate are having access to the Internet and a current familiarity with the area being mapped.[1] This data is used to update The National Map.
The program originally allowed volunteers to collect geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude) via GPS receivers. The data was entered in spreadsheet format or in ESRI shapefiles and submitted via e-mail to the USGS National Geospatial Technical Operations Center in Rolla, Missouri. During the registration process, prospective volunteers submitted a list of the 7.5 minute quadrangle maps they wish to work on. Once accepted into the project, volunteers received their assignment and 1:24,000 scale topographic map of their quad. While there was no deadline for completing maps, the project's administrators preferred volunteers submit coordinates for all structures in the quad no more than one year after beginning work.
In December 2006 a new internet-based method for submitting information on structures was introduced. Using a web browser, volunteers are able to navigate maps and aerial photography, placing a point on the map and subsequently entering the name and type of structure.
As of August 2008, the program stopped accepting structure data collected via GPS, but continued use the web-based collection site.[2]
Types of structures mapped
The following is a list of structures that can be entered on the web site. The focus is significant man-made structures. The "other" category is for man-made structures not on this list and should not include locations such as homes, restaurants, or other commercial establishments.[3]
- Acute / Primary Care Hospital
- Airport / Airfield
- Airport Terminal
- Auditorium / Concert Hall / Theater / Opera House
- Bus Station / Dispatch Facility
- City/Town Hall
- College / University
- Convention Center
- Court House
- Day Care Facility
- DoD / Military (includes Academies and Reserves)
- Electric Facility
- Emergency Response or Law Enforcement Facility
- Fair / Exhibition / Rodeo Grounds
- Fire Station / EMS Station
- Government or Military Facility
- Homeless Shelter
- House of Worship
- Hydroelectric Facility
- Local Government Facility - Other
- Nuclear Facility
- Post Office
- Prisons / Correctional Facilities
- Public Attraction or Landmark Building
- Railroad Station
- School
- Sports Arena / Stadium
- State Capitol / Grounds
- State Office Building
- State Supreme Court / District Court
- Tribal Government Building
- U.S. Government Facility - Other
- Water Tank
- Water Tower
- Water Treatment Plant
- Other
References
- ^ "The National Map Corp". U.S. Geological Survey. http://nationalmap.gov/TheNationalMapCorps/.
- ^ "Letter to volunteers describing changes in procedure" (PDF). U.S. Geological Survey. 2008-07-01. http://nationalmap.gov/TheNationalMapCorps/docs/Stop_GPSn_II.pdf.
- ^ "Web-Based Volunteer Activity Lesson Plan (38 kB pdf file)" (PDF). U.S. Geological Survey. http://nationalmap.gov/TheNationalMapCorps/docs/Web-Based_Collection_Lesson_Plan.pdf.
External links
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