Government Connection
G E O W O R L D / J A N U A R Y 2 O 1 0 10 Imagery/LIDAR Special Issue USGS Gives Paper Maps Digital Treatment The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) unveiled US Topo, its next generation of topographic maps that are digital but designed to look, feel and perform like traditional paper topographic maps. US Topo prod-ucts have an advantage over paper maps, however, because they can be distributed more widely via the Internet, and they allow users to perform basic onscreen geographic analysis. USGS has been offering topographic maps for more than a century. The paper products have been key tools for describing landscapes, and they serve as a standard mapping reference for users such as researchers, land managers, property owners and outdoor enthusiasts. I am very pleased that this new type of USGS topo-graphic map not only preserves the best qualities of older topographic maps but now, in a popular digital format, can better serve both specialized users and the general public, said Interior Secretary Ken Salazar. US Topo maps are available free on the Web and are arranged in the familiar 7.5-minute quadrangle for-mat. Each map quadrangle is constructed in GeoPDF format from key layers of geographic data found in The National Map, a nationwide collection of integrated data from local, state, federal and other sources. The key layers include orthoimagery, roads, geographic names, topographic contours and hydrographic data. The USGS has always been at the forefront of new mapping technologies, but what distinguishes US Topo is the new methodology for delivering the product to users from all walks of life, added Marcia McNutt, USGS director. These digital maps can be as simple or sophisticated as the need dictates easily customized on the spot. Using US Topo maps, users can adjust several set-tings to craft the specific product they need. For exam-ple, users can turn on and off geographic data layers, zoom in to view specific features, or zoom out to gain broader context. Users also can print final maps in their entirety or customized sections. The file size for each digital US Topo quadrangle typically will amount to approximately 15-20MB of data. The US Topo site also includes links for free downloads of analytical tools that can be used to further enhance the maps. US Topo products will continue to evolve, and the agency is encouraging public feedback that can be used to improve the product. Information on the availability of US Topo products is available online at nationalmap.usgs.gov/ustopo . NOAA Retires Cyclone-Watching Satellite After 12 years of service, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) deactivated the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-10 (GOES-10). The satellite was instrumental in track-ing events such as Hurricane Mitch, which slammed parts of Central America in 1998, and Hurricane Katrina, which hit the U.S. Gulf Coast in 2005. GOES-10 has served America and other nations admirably and well beyond its expected lifespan, noted Mary Kicza, assistant administrator for NOAA's Satellite and Information Service. The success of GOES-10, built by Space Systems/Loral, was a credit to a large team of NOAA staff and contractors, who acquired and managed the spacecraft, and processed and distributed the data to users. The deactivation of GOES-10 came in phases. The day before the official deactivation, NOAA fired the spacecraft's booster, moving the satellite into an orbit approximately 22,186 miles above Earth. On the final day of operation, NOAA conducted a final firing of the booster to put the satellite safely out of commission. GOV ERNMENT CONNECTION Under a new USGS project, topographic maps (such as this one showing the landslide-prone La Conchita area of Southern California) are going digital, giving end users more control over what the maps depict. USGS