More so today the map is not just ink on paper but rather in the numerous screens that we interact with in our day to day lives. They have become more and more interactive and feature in almost everything we use in our daily lives ranging from showing us directions to planning the environment. One of such valuable resources is The National Map – which is a collaborative project for providing free geospatial data for the United States. Developed and sustained by the U. S. Geological Survey (USGS), the National Map is a basic reference for governments, organizations, researchers, and individuals requiring sound America’s geographical data.
In this article, we are going to know what The National Map is, the key features of The National Map, the application of The National Map across the sectors, and how you could access this great tool.
What is The National Map?
The National Map is central and complete Geographic information system base for the USA that offers efficient and updated information. It is in that capacity that the USGS contributed foundational, high quality geospatial data that can be utilized in many ways. The map offers data on several key features, including:The map offers data on several key features, including:
•Topography: This may include; the elevation of the terrain: features such as mountains, valleys, plains, etc.
•Elevation: Data on the height of many formations, which enable researchers to study the earth’s surface in-depth.
•Hydrography: Information relating to bodies of water including the rivers, lakes, and oceans.
•Land Cover: Data on various kinds of land utilization which include area of forest land, urban areas, fields under cultivation etc.
•Transportation: Information about varieties of routes existing such as road networks, railways, and others.
•Boundaries: Concerning state, county, and municipal borders In other words, The National Map introduces and contains a large number of geospatial layers that present the features of the U. S. terrain and its anthropogenic structures.
That brings up the question of why The National Map is important?
National Map is very important in advising people and firms on geographical information which can help in making of decisions. Here are a few reasons why this resource is so valuable:Here are a few reasons why this resource is so valuable:
1. Decision-Making for Government and Industry:
This map is crucial in decision making processes of all the branches of government at the federal, state and local levels for planning and executing projects such as infrastructure projects and environmental conservation efforts. For example transport department employs it to plan roads, highways and bridges while environment department employs it to study alterations in the cover of the surface of the land and water resources.
2. Disaster Response and Planning:
Emergency responders who deal with natural disasters such as floods, wildfires, or hurricanes among others require maps that are up-to-date. The National Map contains necessary elevation and hydrography information that will let predict the movement of a flood or the advancement of a wild fire to prepare emergency response teams.
3. Scientific Research:
Geospatial data from The National Map supports research across over 20 disciplines used by researchers from various fields. For instance, the planner can use it to analyze the variations in the vegetation cover over the years while a geologist can use the information on elevation to analyze the tectonic activities. Using the data offered by The National Map one can infer crucial information in regards to the alterations in environment and impact of human activity on the territory.
4. Public Access to Data:
The feature that can be considered one of the strongest sides of The National Map is that accessing the site and making maps is free. This means that anyone can come and get the data without limitation of use and the information could be used for personal, educational or working purpose. This ease of access of accurate and consistent geographic information makes this a valuable asset to anyone whether an individual or a company. Major Characteristics of The National Map
Here are the some of the aspects that will help to understand why the National Map is the most usable tool to work with geographical data: Below are some of the key features of the map:Below are some of the key features of the map:
1. High-Resolution Data:
Elevation and land cover data are also available for National Map at high resolutions. It makes it possible for users to zoom in depending with what they want to see in the landscape be it a particular area or the fine details.
2. Interactive Viewing:
Another thing that is rather beneficial and handy when it comes to using The National Map is its capability to offer the maps with the possibility to interact with the mentioned viewing plates. Some of the options include zooming in or out, using the mouse to move around the map across different regions and choosing between various layers of data that is to be displayed on screen. This makes it possible to cause a user friendly method which enables the user to pick out what is most useful to him.
3. Downloadable Data:
The map is not just for visualization purposes; it comes with options on how to download in diverse formats like GeoTIFF, Shapefile among others. This is particularly helpful to the individuals who require using the data in the geographic info system (GIS) software or other similar application.
4. 3D Elevation Program (3DEP):
Another feature that displays incredible potential of The National Map is its 3D Elevation Program (3DEP). This program contains exact elevation information about the whole area of United States offering capability to look at the area in 3D for every need starting from floodplain mapping to infrastructure planning.
5. Updates and Accuracy:
Information presented by The National Map is updated every so often to provide the best returns on it. Hence it’s convenient when it comes to up-to-date geographic information that you may need for research, planning or decision making.
6. Historical Data:
Besides current maps and data, The National Map includes historical data and maps datasets also. This is always helpful for researchers especially when they are looking at the present status against the past or even between different times in the future.
How to Get to and Utilize The National Map
Using The National Map is easy since all one has to do is to type in its URL to be redirected to its homepage and from there navigate to any of the sub maps. Here’s a quick guide on how to get started:Here’s a quick guide on how to get started:
1. Visit the Website:
The first action to be taken is to go to The National Map website. The easiest way to get it is by going to the official USGS website, or by typing the exact name of the application, which is ‘The National Map’ into the search bar of your choice. When launched the application will prompt the user with simple and easy to use interface enabling the user to navigate the map and make necessary manipulations with the information displayed on it.
2. Explore the Interactive Map:
Of course you can jump straight into the map where you can zoom in and out, move the map across the world, and select which layers should appear on the map. For instance, if you are concerned with the elevation data, the elevation layer is turned on, thus making it easy to get this information.
3. Download Data:
It also provides an option for download if you are required to make analysis with the data in an offline environment or in another software than ArcGIS: The National Map. There is a selection of the type of data required as well as a region of interest and the file can be downloaded in various formats including elevation and land cover.
4. Use the 3D Elevation Program:Use the 3D Elevation Program:
The National Map will be of special value for users who need more precise elevation data; they could visit 3DEP section. It is accessible through the main site, where visitors can look at the 3D terrain of the various areas across the U. S. This is especially helpful in determining the best spot for infrastructural developments or environmental surveys and assessment. About the Future of The National Map
That is why as the technology changes, will the map known as The National Map. Especially in the following years more advanced tools, better quality in terms of data, additional options for interaction should be applied. With the U. S. government investing in the development of geospatial data’s structure, The National Map will remain the go-to database by those, who require accurate and up-to-date geographic data.
Thus in addition to a constant focus on technological enhancements there is much more concentration on integration. There is a wider project of more effective and engaging national geographic data and the National Map belongs to it. To achieve this vision, the USGS endeavours to collaborate with other agencies, organizations or paradigm, as well as future partnerships with the private sector so that The National Map can maintain its position as a highly valuable geospatial data services.
Conclusion
Altogether, The National Map can be considered as an essential resource to obtain the geospatial data of the United States of a high quality. Whether it is a government employee, researcher or an individual planning for a trip to a certain region, The National Map provides a portal to everything one may wish to know. It is an excellent tool that contains an online screen for viewing things in motion through an interactive option, contains downloadable data and also features 3D elevation.
