FEDMAP -- Federal Mapping Component

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Arch of eroded sandstone. Arches National Park, Utah.

FEDMAP, the NCGMP component within the USGS, was created in response to the National Geologic Mapping Act of 1992. Its goal is to produce high-quality, multi-purpose digital geologic maps, regional geologic frameworks, and other geologic models that can be used to address high-priority land-use issues such as hazards (landslides, earthquakes, volcanoes, flooding, karst, radon), resources (water, mineral, energy, aggregates), Federal lands (National Parks, Preserves, Forests, Conservation Areas), ecosystems, and climate change.

FEDMAP projects develop new ways to understand basic earth science processes; provide isotopic age control for studies of rocks and minerals; and build the online National Geologic Map Database to facilitate public access to geologic map information.

National priorities are set with the advice of both a Federal Advisory Committee and a FEDMAP Review Panel made up of Federal, State, private industry, and academic members, and through various types of meetings that address regional needs. For more details, see the NCGMP five-year program plans.

Most FEDMAP geologists and scientific activities are located within three regional teams: Western Earth Surface Processes (WESPT), Central Earth Surface Processes (CESPT), and Eastern Earth Surface Processes (EESPT). FEDMAP geologists frequently work closely with STATEMAP geologists and EDMAP students and professors.