IMPROVING ACCESS TO GEOSCIENCE INFORMATION -- THE REDESIGNED NATIONAL GEOLOGIC MAP DATABASE

The AASG-USGS National Geologic Map Database (NGDMB, http://ngmdb.usgs.gov/) has for 17 years provided access to maps, reports, and stratigraphic nomenclature, and has been intensively involved in standards development in the U.S. and internationally. The Geoscience Map Catalog is the principal means for users to find geoscience information through the NGMDB. At present, it provides access to >94,600 maps and reports by >630 publishers.

In late 2012, a major redesign of the NGMDB was released, which focused on upgrades to the Map Catalog; the second phase of the redesign is now addressing updates to the U.S. Geologic Names Lexicon (Geolex) and the various NGMDB informational pages (e.g., standards development). The newest features at the redesigned site are: (1) “MapView”, which provides a mosaicked view of geologic maps , as a new front-end to the NGMDB's Map Catalog, and (2) topoView, which enables users to quickly search and browse the USGS Historical Topographic Map Collection. Also, the 94,600 "Product Description Pages" now include an improved map image viewer and a suite of image formats for download. This presentation will overview the redesigned site, and provide insight on the technical and other challenges faced during this database and Web site redesign.