Earth scientists have long recognized the value of maps as a major communications medium for conveying scientific data and details to potential users. Through the use of graphic symbols, positioned in their relative locations, geologic maps are valuable in conveying qualitative and/or quantitative data in an amount deemed necessary by the geologist to represent his or her findings. A map allows the presentation of information that is impossible to convey accurately by the printed word and facilitates the presentation of three-dimensional information on a two-dimensional plane (see Map Symbols).
Geologic maps have been published in a variety of formats and/or series in the U.S. Geological Survey beginning in 1882. The need for specialized studies has resulted in an expansion of the map series. The amount of detail to be shown on a map is determined by the scale, and consequently, the scales of maps vary. As the scale of the map is reduced, the geologist must generalize information. This...
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
References
Brewer, T., and R. Gelpke, 1980, State-wide maps listed, Geotimes 25, 19–25.
Gerlach, A. C., ed., 1970, The National Atlas of the United States of America. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 417p.
U.S. Geological Survey, 1962, Publications of the Geological Survey 1879–1961, 1962–1970 ed. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office.
U.S. Geological Survey, 1958, Suggestions to Authors of the Reports of the United States Geological Survey, 5th ed. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 255p.
Cross-references
Cartography, General: Geological Highway Maps; Map Abbreviations; Ciphers, and Mnemonicons; Map Symbols ; Maps, Environmental Geology; Maps, Physical Properties.
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 1988 Van Nostrand Reinhold Company Inc.
About this entry
Cite this entry
Ferens, R.J. (1988). Map series and scales . In: General Geology. Encyclopedia of Earth Science. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/0-387-30844-X_71
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/0-387-30844-X_71
Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA
Print ISBN: 978-0-442-22499-8
Online ISBN: 978-0-387-30844-9
eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive