GIS

The National Map represents an overwhelming mission to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), a mission that has become even more urgent in recent months. Conceptually, The National Map is a virtually continuous database built by many participants to cover our country. This is a highly innovative vision and is founded upon the collective participation of numerous Federal, state, and local government agencies as well as private industry organizations. The National Map mission can only be accomplished through collaboration of many organizations and effective use of geographic information systems (GIS).GIS technology will serve as the foundation for The National Map by providing a framework and mechanism for many organizations to work in concert. Building The National Map depends upon the presence of a strong, open, interoperable GIS infrastructure as well as key GIS technologies and methodologies.