550.1 - USGS Visual Identity System
Date: May 28, 2003
OPR: Office of the Director, Office of Communications
1. Purpose and Scope. This chapter documents the requirement to use the U. S. Geological Survey Visual Identity System, including all applicable guidelines and specifications established at (http://www.usgs.gov/visual-id/).
2. Policy. Compliance with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Visual Identity System is required in the planning, design, and production of all USGS science, information, communications, and identification products. These products include, but are not limited to, print and electronic information products, Web pages, exhibits, slide show presentations, interior and exterior signs, vehicle and equipment identification, business cards, official clothing, and education materials. System elements such as the trademarked USGS identifier, the communications framework, design templates, product specifications, typography, and suggested color palette must be properly used when creating USGS products. Digital templates that adhere to the Visual Identity System are available for many products at the above Web site.
3. References.
A. Departmental Manual Chapters.
B. Survey Manual Chapters.
C. USGS Guidance Documents.
4. Responsibilities.
A. The Office of Communications is responsible for all policy related to the USGS Visual Identity System. This responsibility includes oversight of Visual Identity System-related work performed by various USGS teams or committees. The Office of Communications, working in coordination with various USGS teams and committees, also provides advice and guidance on visual identity-related issues. The Office of Communications is the final authority on changes or updates to the Visual Identity System guidelines, specifications, and templates for all USGS products.
B. Associate Directors, Regional Directors, and their designees are responsible for ensuring that USGS Visual Identity System guidelines are implemented and problems are addressed and resolved during the product review or approval stage, prior to production.
C. Product designers are responsible for accurately applying the USGS Visual Identity System and all applicable guidelines and specifications to their work, regardless of product medium.
D. Contracting officers, administrative officers, and facilities managers are responsible for adhering to the USGS Visual Identity System guidelines in procurement and utilization.
E. Publication managers, editors, and authors involved in preparing print, electronic, or other communication materials for publishing are responsible for ensuring the accurate and appropriate use of the USGS Visual Identity System in the design and production of those materials, regardless of medium, and for coaching and advising employees on the use of the USGS Visual Identity System as needed.
F. Managers are responsible for the accurate and appropriate use of the USGS Visual Identity System in all materials that they approve and for ensuring that action is taken to correct any product that is designed or produced without adherence to the USGS Visual Identity System guidelines. Managers should champion accurate use of the USGS Visual Identity System in print, electronic, and other products produced in or on behalf of their program area.