Arch of eroded sandstone. Arches National Park, Utah.

Created in response to the National Geologic Mapping Act (NGMA), FEDMAP develops new ways to understand basic earth science processes and produces high-quality, multipurpose digital geologic maps, regional analyses, and multidimensional geologic models.  Geologic maps are the primary data base for virtually all earth-science applications and issues including mitigation of natural hazards; ground- and surface-water management; land-use management, assessment, and utilization; conservation of natural resources; environmental protection and management; and resource extraction.

“A comprehensive nationwide program of geologic mapping of surficial and bedrock deposits is required in order to systematically build the Nation's geologic-map data base at a pace that responds to increasing demand.  Although significant progress has been made in the production of geologic maps since the establishment of the national cooperative geologic mapping program in 1992, no modern, digital, geologic map exists for approximately 75 percent of the United States.”   

— National Geologic Mapping Act, 2009 Reauthorization

Strategic priorities (see NCGMP Five-Year Program Plan) and annual planning for this national program are designed to fulfill the charge of the NGMA and are guided by a formal Review Panel as well as a Federal Advisory Committee of Federal, State, private industry, and academic representatives.  

Significant Partnerships

A key partner in geologic mapping efforts across the Nation is the Association of American State Geologists (AASG).  The USGS and AASG work together (see Memorandum of Agreement) to balance the priorities for Federal and State geologic mapping  and to develop cooperative USGS-State geological survey mapping activities. 

USGS geologic maps are critical to Department of the Interior land management agencies, in particular the National Park Service.  For decades, the USGS and NPS have collaborated closely to provide each of the 270 NPS Natural Resource Area Parks with a digital geologic map (go to the NPS Geologic Resource Inventory for more information).  USGS is the primary source for most park geologic maps, which inform park managers on erosion; seismic, volcanic, and geothermal activity; glaciation; rockfalls and landslides; and cave and karst systems.

Geologic Mapping Projects across the Nation — FEDMAP projects are conducted across the United States. For a full list of current projects, go to FEDMAP FY 2012 Projects.

Product Availability — FEDMAP products are available from the USGS Publications Warehouse and the National Geologic Map Database (NGMDB), which provides access to all geologic mapping data from North America. Go to Mapping in Progress to see information about geologic maps currently being produced for FEDMAP and the other two program components as well for STATEMAP and EDMAP.  The Geoscience Map Catalog contains information about all published FEDMAP geologic maps and how to obtain them.