The National Map Corps
Encyclopedia
The National Map Corps consists of volunteers who devote some of their time to provide cartographic information to the U.S. Geological Survey. The only requirements to participate are having access to the Internet and a current familiarity with the area being mapped. This data is used to update The National Map.
The program originally allowed volunteers to collect geographic coordinates (latitude
and longitude
) via GPS receivers. The data was entered in spreadsheet
format or in ESRI
shapefile
s and submitted via e-mail to the USGS National Geospatial Technical Operations Center in Rolla, Missouri
. During the registration process, prospective volunteers submitted a list of the 7.5 minute quadrangle
maps they wish to work on. Once accepted into the project, volunteers received their assignment and 1:24,000 scale topographic map
of their quad. While there was no deadline for completing maps, the project's administrators preferred volunteers submit coordinates for all structures in the quad no more than one year after beginning work.
In December 2006 a new internet-based method for submitting information on structures was introduced. Using a web browser
, volunteers are able to navigate maps and aerial photography, placing a point on the map and subsequently entering the name and type of structure.
As of August 2008, the program stopped accepting structure data collected via GPS, but continued use the web-based collection site.
The program originally allowed volunteers to collect geographic coordinates (latitude
Latitude
In geography, the latitude of a location on the Earth is the angular distance of that location south or north of the Equator. The latitude is an angle, and is usually measured in degrees . The equator has a latitude of 0°, the North pole has a latitude of 90° north , and the South pole has a...
and longitude
Longitude
Longitude is a geographic coordinate that specifies the east-west position of a point on the Earth's surface. It is an angular measurement, usually expressed in degrees, minutes and seconds, and denoted by the Greek letter lambda ....
) via GPS receivers. The data was entered in spreadsheet
Spreadsheet
A spreadsheet is a computer application that simulates a paper accounting worksheet. It displays multiple cells usually in a two-dimensional matrix or grid consisting of rows and columns. Each cell contains alphanumeric text, numeric values or formulas...
format or in ESRI
ESRI
Esri is a software development and services company providing Geographic Information System software and geodatabase management applications. The headquarters of Esri is in Redlands, California....
shapefile
Shapefile
The Esri Shapefile or simply a shapefile is a popular geospatial vector data format for geographic information systems software. It is developed and regulated by Esri as a open specification for data interoperability among Esri and other software products.Shapefiles spatially describe geometries:...
s and submitted via e-mail to the USGS National Geospatial Technical Operations Center in Rolla, Missouri
Rolla, Missouri
Rolla is a city in Phelps County, Missouri, United States, midway between the larger cities of St. Louis and Springfield along I-44. The population in the 2010 United States Census was 19,559.It is the county seat of Phelps County...
. During the registration process, prospective volunteers submitted a list of the 7.5 minute quadrangle
Quadrangle (geography)
In geology or geography, the word "quadrangle" usually refers to a United States Geological Survey 7.5-minute quadrangle map, which are usually named after a local physiographic feature. The shorthand "quad" is also used, especially with the name of the map; for example, "the Ranger Creek, Texas...
maps they wish to work on. Once accepted into the project, volunteers received their assignment and 1:24,000 scale topographic map
Topographic map
A topographic map is a type of map characterized by large-scale detail and quantitative representation of relief, usually using contour lines in modern mapping, but historically using a variety of methods. Traditional definitions require a topographic map to show both natural and man-made features...
of their quad. While there was no deadline for completing maps, the project's administrators preferred volunteers submit coordinates for all structures in the quad no more than one year after beginning work.
In December 2006 a new internet-based method for submitting information on structures was introduced. Using a web browser
Web browser
A web browser is a software application for retrieving, presenting, and traversing information resources on the World Wide Web. An information resource is identified by a Uniform Resource Identifier and may be a web page, image, video, or other piece of content...
, volunteers are able to navigate maps and aerial photography, placing a point on the map and subsequently entering the name and type of structure.
As of August 2008, the program stopped accepting structure data collected via GPS, but continued use the web-based collection site.
Types of structures mapped
The following is a list of structures that can be entered on the web site. The focus is significant man-made structures. The "other" category is for man-made structures not on this list and should not include locations such as homes, restaurants, or other commercial establishments.- Acute / Primary Care Hospital
- Airport / Airfield
- Airport Terminal
- Auditorium / Concert Hall / Theater / Opera House
- Bus Station / Dispatch Facility
- City/Town Hall
- College / University
- Convention Center
- Court House
- Day Care Facility
- DoD / Military (includes Academies and Reserves)
- Electric Facility
- Emergency Response or Law Enforcement Facility
- Fair / Exhibition / Rodeo Grounds
- Fire Station / EMS Station
- Government or Military Facility
- Homeless Shelter
- House of Worship
- Hydroelectric Facility
- Local Government Facility - Other
- Nuclear Facility
- Post Office
- Prisons / Correctional Facilities
- Public Attraction or Landmark Building
- Railroad Station
- School
- Sports Arena / Stadium
- State Capitol / Grounds
- State Office Building
- State Supreme Court / District Court
- Tribal Government Building
- U.S. Government Facility - Other
- Water Tank
- Water Tower
- Water Treatment Plant
- Other