The National Map "of Louisiana"
This website illustrates the basic concepts behind the National Map "of
Louisiana," which is based on the USGS
National Map. RAC is committed to the National Map, and to that end, has
created this website to show how digital data layers can be combined to create
a user-defined, custom map. RAC is developing National Map prototypes
that will be rendered with ArcIMS applications.
The National Map concept is to “provide the Nation with current, accurate,
and nationally consistent basic spatial data, including digital data and derived
topographic maps." RAC is working towards this new approach to mapping
and its use in government. The USGS approach means that every GIS program in
the state has an opportunity to contribute data to the National Map.
In the 1990's, as GIS moved into the mainstream of government databases and
mapping, the promise of GIS was such that any organization in the nation could
quickly and easily share digital information. While this has occurred to some
extent, the promise of GIS was never fully realized because of problems with
software, hardware, projections, a lack of data and metadata, and most of all
the lack of an efficient mechanism to transfer such data. With the development
of accepted and gradually implemented "open" GIS standards, the improvement
of the Internet and the deployment of various Internet Map Services, the promise
of GIS can once again be explored and expanded.
Through implementation of the National Map "of Louisiana," RAC hopes
to contribute to the USGS - National Map concept and provide solid examples
for all geo-spatial data users to evaluate. Hopefully, this and other pilots
throughout the country will add constructive suggestions and evaluations of
the many technological options and assist the USGS in making this truly a National
Map.
†
See what's cool about the National Map "of Louisiana"
illustrating benefits of the concept.
† Read USGS National Map documentation,
including other pilot projects.
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