Geologic Maps

Geologic maps and specialty reports
The USGS has published tens of thousands of geologic maps and reports since 1879. These maps are available as single or multiple sheets, many of which are folded and placed in a paper jacket. The majority of these maps are out of print and can only be obtained through borrowing privileges at one of the few USGS libraries across the nation.

The information contained on these maps and in these reports are useful to geologists, oil and gas exploration companies, coal investigators and land use planners.  Geologic maps help delineate fragile habitat and ecosystems, protect against natural hazards, and find needed resources.


Some of the maps/info that DDS has direct access to due to our close proximity to the USGS and special privileges.  

Geologic Quadrangle Maps- The Geologic Quadrangle (GQ) Series has more than 1,700 multicolor maps that show the bedrock, surficial, or engineering geology of selected 7.5- or 15-minute quadrangles in the United States.

Oil and Gas Investigations Maps and Charts- The Oil and Gas Investigations Maps (OM) Series and Charts (OC) Series show the subsurface structure and stratigraphy and surface geology of selected oil and gas fields and of other areas having hydrocarbon potential.

Miscellaneous Investigations Series Maps- The Miscellaneous Investigations (I) Series contains mostly multicolor maps covering diverse topical material such as bedrock and surficial geology, marine geology, mineral and energy resources, and geophysics and geochemistry. The series also includes maps of the Earth's Moon and other planetary bodies, hydrogeology, landforms, earthquake epicenters, map projections, and oblique-view maps.

Coal Investigations Series Maps- The Coal Investigations (C) Series contains multicolor or black-and-white geologic maps that show bedrock geology, stratigraphy, and structural relations of selected coal resource areas of the Nation.

State Geologic Maps- The USGS has compiled multicolor geologic maps in cooperation with about a third of the states. Most other states have prepared and made available their own state geologic maps. Many of these state-published maps are available at the USGS Map Library.

For more information 

Geocoding

Geocoding is used so frequently today with GPS units in cars, driving directions on mobile phones and even location based services offered through social media.  However, there are many business applications for this service as well.

Geocoding is taking addresses or locations within an Excel, Access, or text file and displaying that information on a map image or providing the information back into a text file.This has a number of uses.  For marketing professionals this helps display demographic information, customer trends by region, and many other useful things.  For a large company it can allow for better supply chain management.  The image above is an example of this.  It shows distribution centers, manufacturing plants, warehouses, etc.

Some other applications....

• Plot Customer Addresses
• Define Sales Territories
• Perform Industry Analysis
• Custom Map Server Applications
• Determine Market Potential
• Site Selection Analysis
• Market Share Analysis
• Perfect for Management Presentations! 

This can be done with many Geographic Information Software applications such as ArcGIS and Global Mapper.  Or you can work with firms like ours to help you put it all together.

Topography

Topographic maps are the basis for most Geographic Information Systems (GIS).  The contour information allows for a map user to understand the how the land is layed out.  This can be useful for any number of users.  For individuals this can work to help design trail maps for hiking, biking and backpacking.  For commercial users this can allow to plan developments, mining, and even oil and gas exploration.  Law firms have even ordered these to assist in litigation.

There are many resources available to download these maps that are provided by the United States Geological Survey (USGS).  We provide an online index that allows users to download them for FREE using Google Earth: MapFinder.

We also provide the service of researching older maps directly from the USGS library if a client needs to compare the changes that have occurred in a particular area.  Our Headquarters is conveniently located across the street from the USGS in Denver so this is something we can provide as a convenience for our clients.

Find out more

CAD Conversions

Often Times, a company needs a map converted to CAD format so that it can be manipulated or so that layers can be added.  This takes a static map and turns it into a useful tool.  Once this digital version is created from a raster graphic, other important information can be added in layers that can be turned on or off to act as points of reference or just to highlight information that is needed.  The above example is of a topographic quad map that has been digitized, but this can be done with any kind of map or technical drawing.

Examples:

• Floor Plans
• Building Plans
• Elevations
• Interior Designs
• Mechanical Cross Sections
• HVAC
• Electronic Diagrams
• Contour Maps
• Parcel Maps
• Utility Maps
• Seismic Data
• Piping Drawings
• Well Location Drawings

For More Information

Alternative Energies

It may be hard to see from the image above, but this is an example of a simulated visualization.  Sometimes the hardest part in selling an idea is selling the visual aspects.  Everyone agrees that the use of alternative energies are an important move, but not everyone is sold on being directly impacted by that technology.  With the use of these simulations, people can get a better idea of the visual "impact" that these structures will have so that they can make more informed decisions.

Read more from our visualization expert Wind Farm Siting and Design Appeal


Digital Data Services Visualizations 

Tourism Mapping Solutions

Probably one of the most prominent custom mapping projects created by DDS, the 3D elevation map of the Grand Canyon is still sold today by the Grand Canyon Association and on DDS's website.  This map takes a natural wonder and puts it into perspective.  This is great for tourists that want to bring back something to remember their trip or just for the many people who appreciate the natural landscapes of the Earth.

Other uses of mapping and GIS in the tourism industry include trail maps, interactive maps of points of interest, or even the use of historical maps to show how areas have changed over the years.
 

Custom Mapping Services