TY - Generic T1 - Converting paper geologic maps to digital products; the search for an effective method T2 - Abstracts with Programs - Geological Society of America Y1 - 2003 A1 - Stephen B Mabee A1 - Newton, R. A1 - Stepanov, A. A1 - Ene, D. A1 - Ivanov, D. KW - #StaffPubs KW - cartography KW - data bases KW - data processing KW - digital cartography KW - digital data KW - geographic information systems KW - geomorphology KW - Geomorphology 23 KW - government agencies KW - information systems KW - mapping KW - massachusetts KW - National Geologic Map Database KW - NGMDB KW - survey organizations KW - United States AB - MassGIS and the Office of the Massachusetts State Geologist are working collaboratively with the USGS to vectorize 85, published 7.5-minute surficial geologic maps in order to prepare a statewide coverage of the till-glacial stratified drift boundary. Conversion of old geologic maps from paper copies to new digital products is a complex task requiring an efficient method that minimizes errors and limits the need for heads-up digitizing. The main issue in the conversion is the accurate separation of line work (geologic contacts) on the map from the halftone colors in the polygon fills and achieving this without creating an extensive editing effort in the GIS environment. For this project, we elected to process the scanned and rectified images of the surficial geologic maps in Photoshop and adjust the resulting line work in ArcScan before vectorizing the polygons. Photoshop is an extremely sophisticated, commercial raster image editing software with a very user-friendly interface. Using tools such as the "Magic Wand" (selection of similar pixels with variable threshold control), "Select Color Range" (find all instances of similar colors), "Grow and Contract Selection", "Stroke Selection", and Photoshop "Layers", we are able to create a set of very accurate, noise free boundary lines, before the vectorization process occurs. This methodology is, in effect, "on the fly" editing of the boundary lines, eliminating the large number of errors and artifacts that "automated" vectorizing processes inevitably generate (and which must be tediously edited and/or removed later with vector editing software). Line tracings produced in Photoshop are exported to ArcScan where, using the original raster image as a background, a preview of the proposed vector is adjusted, if needed, using simple editing tools in ArcScan. Once an optimal match is achieved visually, the vectors are generated. The advantage of this approach is that the bulk of the line editing occurs early in the process, prior to vectorization, and can be achieved by moderately trained personnel using "off the shelf" commercial software. This provides greater control of the quality of the finished product because there are no computer generated false lines that need to be found and removed later with a much more complex process. JF - Abstracts with Programs - Geological Society of America PB - Geological Society of America (GSA) : Boulder, CO, United States CY - United States VL - 35 SN - 00167592 UR - https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2003AM/finalprogram/abstract_64322.htm IS - 66 N1 - Accession Number: 2006-037984; Conference Name: Geological Society of America, 2003 annual meeting; Seattle, WA, United States; Conference Date: 20031102; Language: English; Coden: GAAPBC; Collation: 1; Collation: 276; Publication Types: Abstract Only; Serial; Conference document; Updated Code: 200611; Monograph Title: Geological Society of America, 2003 annual meeting; Monograph Author(s): Anonymous; Reviewed Item: Analytic JO - Abstracts with Programs - Geological Society of America ER - TY - Generic T1 - Dynamic digital maps; an outreach tool for geoscience research, mapping and education in National Park Service administered lands T2 - Abstracts with Programs - Geological Society of America Y1 - 2009 A1 - Condit, Christopher D. A1 - Steven A Nathan A1 - Stephen B Mabee KW - #StaffPubs KW - cartography KW - digital cartography KW - digital data KW - digital terrain models KW - education KW - Environmental geology 22 KW - government agencies KW - land use KW - mapping KW - national parks KW - public lands KW - research KW - U. S. National Park Service KW - United States AB - The Dynamic Digital Map of Selected Sedimentary Rocks in Western Massachusetts (DDM-SedRxWMa) is an example of what can be developed for all National Park Administered land. On starting the program, the user chooses the media source: either "Web-Access" (from a server) or "Local Access" (from DVD, flash or disk drive) and immediately sees a "Home Screen". The Home Screen displays the location of five detailed maps and buttons linked to Indexes (lists) of DDM content. Each map contains numbered icons that link that location to a field guide of that site. Camera icons on the detailed maps point in the direction photos were taken; many photos are oblique aerials that place the map features in context. The aerials contain camera icons of ground photos along the field trip route. The maps can be toggled between an orthophoto map or a topographic map, each geo-referenced. Key field guide locations have 360-degree QuickTime panoramics. All images and movies have captions. The DDM-SedRxWMa program is made from the DDM-Template and is capable of displaying text (captions or field guides) at 3 different user-selectable levels. The text might instead be displayed in 3 different languages. The DDM-SedRxWMa, which includes a 7 minute automated guided tour, can be downloaded at http://ddm.geo.umass.edu/ddm-sedrxwma/ The DDM-Template is an open source program that anyone can use to make their own DDM. It and a step-by-step manual (the "Cookbook") are available along with over 20 DDMs at http://ddm.geo.umass.edu). Making a DDM from the Template requires the use of the relatively inexpensive and easy to learn, multi-platform programming environment Runtime Revolution (www.runrev.com). Maps and photos (jpeg files) and movies are stored outside the program, which acts as an organizational framework and index to present it. Text and data are saved within the program and can be imported from html, rtf or txt format files. Map unit labels, sample sites, and graphics, such as camera icons (created in the Template) can be overlain on the maps or images; and provide a link to view the associated data or images. Once the Template has been modified and renamed, a single step creates 3 royalty-free, stand-alone programs, one each for Unix, Windows and Macintosh operating systems. A DDM program matching the user's operating system can be made available online. JF - Abstracts with Programs - Geological Society of America PB - Geological Society of America (GSA) : Boulder, CO, United States CY - United States VL - 41 SN - 00167592 UR - https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2009AM/finalprogram/abstract_166833.htm IS - 77 N1 - Accession Number: 2011-030563; Conference Name: Geological Society of America, 2009 annual meeting; Portland, OR, United States; Conference Date: 20091018; Language: English; Coden: GAAPBC; Collation: 1; Collation: 365; Publication Types: Abstract Only; Serial; Conference document; Updated Code: 201118; Monograph Title: Geological Society of America, 2009 annual meeting; Monograph Author(s): Anonymous; Reviewed Item: Analytic JO - Abstracts with Programs - Geological Society of America ER - TY - Generic T1 - Guiding principles for use of digital technology in geologic data collection and distribution T2 - Abstracts with Programs - Geological Society of America Y1 - 2014 A1 - Joseph P Kopera A1 - House, P. Kyle A1 - Schmidt, Maxine A1 - Clark, Ryan KW - #StaffPubs KW - data KW - data preservation KW - databases KW - digital KW - digital data KW - digital geologic maps KW - geologic maps KW - GIS KW - migration AB - The past decade has seen a dramatic shift in the public perception of a map as a static paper document to a dynamic digital interface for addressing a specific geographic question. The adoption of digital technology for geologic data collection, compilation, and distribution has many advantages but requires a similar shift in attitudes towards the nature of data and resulting maps themselves to ensure that they remain accessible, viable, and relevant in this new paradigm. We propose a set of guiding principles for the use of digital technology in geologic data and map production: 1.) Utilize dedicated digital data professionals (DDPs): It is unreasonable to expect that geologists maintain expertise in their field and be thoroughly versed in complex and rapidly changing best practices for digital data. Following the recommendations of the National Research Council (2009), DDPs should be embedded in any research endeavor from its inception with geologists being savvy enough in digital technology to maintain productive engagement with DDPs. 2.) Use appropriate technology: Fully digital workflows and field equipment are not appropriate for all projects. Free or open-source software (FOSS) and easily available low-cost hardware (i.e., smartphones) have also met or surpassed the utility of many proprietary technology solutions thus reducing the price and increasing accessibility of data. 3.) Practice good data management: Digital data takes considerable resources and sustained effort to remain viable even shortly after its production. Best practices in data accessibility (data standards, open formats, etc.) and maintenance (refreshing, migration, etc.) in addition to robust metadata creation, through all phases of a project, are unquestionably necessary. 4.) Approach maps and digital data as living dynamic entities: Geologic data is out of date the moment it is published. A primary advantage of digital datasets is their ability to be easily updated, queried, and manipulated in infinite ways. Derivative products for specific applications are in arguably higher demand by end users than the data itself. Geologists must design for flexibility, appropriateness of use, and the persistence of their expert interpretations through development of all possible end products of and updates to the map and dataset. JF - Abstracts with Programs - Geological Society of America PB - Geological Society of America (GSA) : Boulder, CO, United States VL - 46 SN - 00167592 UR - https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2014NE/webprogram/Paper236362.html JO - Abstracts with Programs - Geological Society of America ER - TY - Generic T1 - An update of geologic mapping in Massachusetts T2 - Abstracts with Programs - Geological Society of America Y1 - 2004 A1 - Joseph P Kopera A1 - Stephen B Mabee A1 - Scott A Salamoff A1 - Hildreth, Carol KW - #StaffPubs KW - data KW - data acquisition KW - data processing KW - digital data KW - Geologic maps 14 KW - mapping KW - massachusetts KW - National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program KW - programs KW - publications KW - regional KW - review KW - STATEMAP KW - United States AB - Despite the state's relatively high population density and decades of detailed study of the bedrock geology, only about half of the 7.5' quadrangles in Massachusetts have been published as GQ series geologic maps. As the state's population continues to grow, the availability of basic geologic data becomes increasingly crucial for informed land-use and water-management decision making. Much of the published 1:24000 scale geologic mapping predates recent advances in the understanding of regional tectonics, and needs to be updated. The Office of the State Geologist has begun a geologic mapping program in Massachusetts to address these needs. Two mapping projects were conducted through the STATEMAP component of the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping program in 2003. These projects focused on 7.5' quadrangles along the I-495 corridor, which is experiencing extensive population growth and development. The first project involved conversion of published 1:24,000-scale surficial geology to digital form for 10 quadrangles in southeastern Massachusetts. A semi-automated process was developed for this project that easily converts published paper geologic maps into vectorized, georeferenced datalayers. The second project involved 1:24000-scale geologic mapping of the Marlborough quadrangle in east-central Massachusetts. Products include traditional maps of bedrock and surficial geology as well as two new prototype products: a fracture characterization map and a surficial materials map. These projects mark the first time in Massachusetts' history that quadrangle-scale geologic data will be available in digital form to consultants and stakeholders, thus greatly expediting and improving the use and analysis of all geologic data. In addition, the inclusion of fracture characterization and surficial materials maps adds substantially to the value of traditional geologic map products. The new maps provide supplemental data on the hydrologic characteristics of the bedrock and the vertical stacking of surficial deposits that previously was unavailable. STATEMAP projects in 2004 will continue to focus along the I-495 corridor, and will involve revision and new mapping in the Wilmington, Reading, South Groveland, Lawrence, Hudson, and Oxford quadrangles. JF - Abstracts with Programs - Geological Society of America PB - Geological Society of America (GSA) : Boulder, CO, United States CY - United States VL - 36 SN - 00167592 IS - 22 N1 - Accession Number: 2005-048993; Conference Name: Geological Society of America, Northeastern Section, 38th annual meeting; Geological Society of America, Southeastern Section, 53rd annual meeting; Washington, DC, United States; Conference Date: 20040325; Language: English; Coden: GAAPBC; Collation: 1; Collation: 58; Publication Types: Abstract Only; Serial; Conference document; Updated Code: 200518; Monograph Title: Geological Society of America, Northeastern Section, 38th annual meeting; Geological Society of America, Southeastern Section, 53rd annual meeting; Monograph Author(s): Anonymous; Reviewed Item: Analytic JO - Abstracts with Programs - Geological Society of America ER -