product, ADI, that allows access to Arctic digital data and information. The ADI hypermedia prototype is based on a printed journal format and, therefore, includes a series of papers listed in a table of contents (fig. 1). The reader can browse through the articles within the electronic journal by selecting an item from the table of contents or by choosing a link icon from within a section. By choosing the link icon, the reader then moves to related material. For example, the reader can begin searching through a data directory that is provided within the ADI (fig. 2).

While browsing the data directory, the reader can choose to link to the actual data set that may contain tabular numeric data (fig. 3A) or spatial imagery (fig. 3B). Upon reviewing the data set, the reader can then link to the full text of a journal article that provides analysis of the data. In addition to providing spatial data, such as side looking airborne radar data, the ADI includes image processing software that allows the reader to analyze data, such as the ice thickness of an Alaskan glacier.

ADI will be distributed to Arctic researchers and policymakers who use CD-ROM

Microcomputer

Graphic Presentations

By Brian Schachte

A

s a leader in the earth sciences and cartography, the USGS continually presents research projects and findings to the scientific community and to public audiences. Research itself has been greatly improved by new computing technologies, which enable earth scientists to analyze, model, and display complex data sets more quickly and efficiently than ever before. Presenting these results, however, is hampered by these same technological advances because, until recently, user-specific hardware and software could not be linked to communications and presentation materials or equipment.

Microcomputer animation and graphics software now make it possible to capture, manipulate, and enhance computer-based data. Connecting the microcomputer to various output devices produces illustrations

that can be carried easily for use at scientific meetings and at other presentations.

Postproduction printers, both color and gray scale, produce publication-quality illustrations. High-resolution color-image copiers produce high-quality paper and overhead transparency hard copies. Microcomputerbased film recorders produce 35-millimeter slides and 4- by 5-inch or 8- by 10-inch color negatives. Large-format posters can be made from these negatives. A series of images, output to a video cassette recorder (VCR), when combined with voice-over, music, and animated titling on a video tape, provides researchers and scientists with a presentation product that requires only a television and a VCR.

Microcomputer graphics at the USGS have produced several video cassette recordings, including one about national streamflow conditions and another about sedimentary basin analysis as it pertains to petroleum geology. These two videos contain a series of complex images that represent spatially oriented. research projects.

Whether the final presentation product is paper or overhead transparency, 35millimeter slides or video tape, the use of microcomputer graphics makes it possible to demonstrate current research and results more easily and effectively.

Open Systems Communication Standards

By Paul Celluzzi

T

The diverse nature of the USGS mission requires a computing and communication environment to match this diversity. Over the years, different computer systems have proliferated and evolved independently of the issues of compatibility with other computer systems or an overall bureauwide computing strategy. There is now, however, an increased need to exchange information and to integrate applications.

The USGS situation is not unique; major compatibility issues exist throughout government and industry. In response, mechanisms are being developed to connect incompatible computer systems. A major initiative, sponsored by the International Standards Organization (ISO) and supported by contributions from national and international standards agencies, has resulted in an internationally accepted model for data communication and

standards that define the protocols for communication among different computer systems. These standards are referred to as open system standards because they are published in the public domain and have unrestricted availability. Open standards provide universal connectivity among computer systems.

The U.S. Government, under the direction of the National Institute for Standards and Technology, has adopted a set of specifications from the ISO standards that is collectively known as GOSIP (Government Open Systems Interconnection Profile). GOSIP defines a common method for government computer systems to communicate. Because GOSIP is published as a government FIPS (Federal Information Processing Standard), implementation of GOSIP is mandatory for all Federal agencies. A series of releases by the Federal Government will put GOSIP into effect.

The first release of GOSIP defines lower level communication protocols and file transfer and electronic mail applications. Later releases will include specifications for terminal login, Email directory services, compound document content architecture, and additional network options. Eventually, all government computer and communication systems will be required to conform to GOSIP. Government systems will then be connected and able to share resources.

The advantages of compatibility among computer systems are obvious; the USGS is now emphasizing the use of open systems protocols. A transition plan, in preparation, will convert the current USGS mix of proprietary and restricted protocols to GOSIP compliance. This approach initially provides for the use of existing protocols, then parallel and mixed protocols, and finally full GOSIP protocol to achieve a gradual transition having minimal impact on existing applications.

Eventually all USGS computer systems will be able to communicate and share resources regardless of the type of system. The GOSIP protocols will create a single standard for networking. Benefits to the USGS include a single standard that greatly simplifies the design, implementation, operation, and management of complex networks and reduces the costs of procuring and implementing the networks. Also, the investment in networks is protected from future changes because of the adoption of industry standard protocols. A growth path is established for changing and expanding networks. Finally, the resulting integration of diverse systems into a single manageable network provides a pathway to distributed processing and integrated applications across computer systems.

Administration

New Quarters for Distribution and DrillingCore Research Centers

By Eddie G. Powell

I

n 1990 the map distribution and core research centers moved to Building 810 in the Denver Federal Center. Building 810 had served as a regional supply depot for more than 20 years, but, because of improvements in the Nation's transportation system, it was decided to reduce the number of Federal supply depots. The Denver facility was closed in 1987. The General Services Administration offered the 665,000 square foot building to the USGS. This newly acquired space provides an excellent opportunity to consolidate the map distribution functions of the National Mapping Division and to expand the drillingcore research center of the Geologic Division. These moves also permitted expensive leases to be discontinued. After renovations were completed, a dedication ceremony was held June 27, 1990, to commemorate the opening of the two centers in Building 810.

In 1948 the USGS established map distribution branches in Washington, D.C., and Denver, Colo. The objectives were, and remain, to collect, warehouse, distribute, and sell map publications. Over the years, the emphasis has changed from providing base maps internally for portraying geologic and hydrologic information to providing to the public all published earth science information

through the Map Distribution Center and more than 3,500 private U.S. map dealers.

Today, the consolidation of the map distribution branches in Building 810 provides an international users' center for all USGS published earth science information. Seventytwo employees manage more than 7 acres of warehouse space and provide professional and recreational users with access to approximately 125,000 different map and book publications. Eleven million products are distributed or sold annually, resulting in revenues in excess of 7.5 million dollars.

In 1974 the USGS established a drillingcore research center in Denver. The objectives of the center are to collect, permanently store, and make available to all earth scientists valuable core material from boreholes drilled chiefly for oil and gas. Since its establishment, the center has grown rapidly both in space occupied and in the diversity of material stored and processed. The center currently occupies about 120,000 square feet of floor space in Building 810 and provides archival storage for many kinds of geologic material, such as mineralized granite, volcanic rock, and oil shale.

The center contains 1 million linear feet of core from more than 6,300 wells from all over the United States that were donated by oil and gas companies, mining companies, and other organizations. Of these, 3,700 cores have been slabbed and are available for viewing. The remainder can be made available upon request. Facilities for examination of core material are provided. The center is used daily by scientists from industry, government, and academia.

Aluminum can recycling at the

National Center.

Recycling Program

By John E. Cordyack

I

n 1990 the USGS expanded its longstanding commitment to recycling. A new program includes recycling map, computer, and office paper, aluminum plates used in map production, and aluminum beverage cans and recovering silver from photographic processing. In addition to direct monetary benefits, this recycling program benefits the environment by saving energy required to produce new products, by reducing the impact on landfills, and by fighting litter.

In March 1990 the USGS began participation in the General Services Administration program to recycle all high-grade office paper. All National Center employees in Reston, Va., were given desk-top containers for collecting recyclable office paper. In the first 3 months of this program, more than 120 tons of paper were recycled. The USGS regional centers in Denver, Colo., and Menlo Park, Calif., also initiated paper recycling programs that resulted in more than 100 tons of paper collected this year. In terms of natural resources, 148,500 gallons of oil and 3,674 trees are saved by the recycling of this 220 tons of paper.

For many years the aluminum plates used in the map production process have been recycled at the National Center. Over 38,000 pounds of these plates were recycled this year. A recycling station at the National Center is now in place for aluminum cans collected by employees. Proceeds from the can recycling effort benefit the Federal Children's Center (see "Child Care," p. 91). The USGS plans to expand the can recycling program to the regional centers in 1991.

Silver is recovered from the materials used in the photographic laboratories at Reston, Va.; Rolla, Mo.; Sioux Falls, S. Dak.; Denver, Colo.; and Menlo Park, Calif. More than $28,000 in silver was recovered in fiscal year 1990. Recycling programs for laser printer cartridges and composting plant materials have been in effect since mid-1990.

Automation in the

Office of Personnel

By Eliot J. Christian

G

reat strides have been taken in auto

mating the USGS Office of Personnel including four major systems: the Personnel Action System, the Automated Vacancy Announcement Distribution System, Personnet, and the paperless Time and Attendance System.

Personnel Action System.-The USGS Personnel Action System (PAS) automates the processing of personnel action requests known as SF 52 (Standard Form 52). PAS supports on-line processing for SF 52 preparation throughout all offices of the USGS and supports many of the tasks that follow from the request. The system automatically creates electronic transactions that update the Departmental payroll-personnel system.

The Administrative Division and the Information Systems Division (ISD) collaborated to develop PAS. A major hurdle was to obtain permission for using electronic signatures to supplant the need for paper copies of personnel actions. Security features of the system design were approved and electronic signatures were established.

The system has many useful features, such as detailed status tracking and flexible access controls. The system includes an automated interface to the Automated Vacancy Announcement Distribution System. PAS has won accolades throughout the Department and is now being seen as a prototype for the SF 52 portion of a future Departmental Federal Personnel Payroll System. Other Federal agencies have expressed interest in the system.

Automated Vacancy Announcements.-The traditional process of preparing, printing, and distributing vacancy announcements is time consuming. The Automated Vacancy Announcement Distribution System (AVADS) applies automation to this process by transmitting vacancy announcement information to designated USGS installations weekly. As with PAS, AVADS was a collaborative effort between the Administrative Division and the ISD.

Before AVADS, each USGS administrative office circulated or posted more than 1,000 individual announcements as they were received, and many announcements were subsequently mailed to field office sites. AVADS provides one listing of vacancy announcements that is circulated or posted each week.

In addition to the full text of each announcement, AVADS provides an index of all current announcements. Vacancies can be browsed through on-line, and there is also a microcomputer version. Since AVADS transmits directly to the designated field sites, the system cuts the time needed for recruitments and facilitates the timely receipt of vacancy information. Printing and mailing expenses are reduced by using electronic rather than hard copy distribution.

Personnet.-Personnet is a subscription service offering thousands of pages of crossindexed and up-to-date information on personnel law, manuals, regulations, and related legal decisions available on networked CD-ROM (compact disc read only memory) devices. Personnet allows any personal computer user to electronically access current information on Federal personnel law and on both Federal and Departmental manuals, regulations, and related precedent legal decisions. Stand-alone CD-ROM's provide access to Personnet in the Rolla, Mo., and Atlanta, Ga., personnel offices.

By using the networked Personnet. CD-ROM subscription service, all the relevant information is provided on-line together with comprehensive textual and index retrieval mechanisms and cross-indexing. Electronic access not only allows much faster and more accurate access to the information but also offers the ability to conduct extensive searches based on words in context. Replacement updated CD-ROM's are provided every 60 days, and interim bulletins of pending updates are provided on magnetic media. every 15 days.

Time and Attendance. -A paperless Time and Attendance System based on personal computers was implemented in the Administrative Division and the Office of the Director. Plans are to expand the system to other users within the USGS. Also, other Federal agencies have expressed interest. The system is based on a program that was implemented at the U.S. Department of Commerce. The USGS enhanced the initial version and created a product that is applicable throughout the bureau. Users have been pleased to find that the resulting system provides a drastic reduction in errors.

The Department of Commerce has, in turn, replaced its own version of the system with the USGS developed system to take advantage of the improvements. The system has been demonstrated to other bureaus within the U.S. Department of the Interior and other Federal agencies. Currently, the Time and Attendance System is being enhanced to include core hours, flextime, and other refinements.

Child Care

By Kathleen B. Rutledge

The growing influx of women into the workforce has made child care a significant human resources issue for the 1990's. According to the Hudson Institute in its report, "Civil Service 2000," more than half of the mothers having children under the age of 1 year work outside the home, and more than half of the women who work have children under the age of 18. The USGS has joined an increasing number of Federal agencies in providing child care support for its employees in the form of on-site or near-site child care centers.

Under current law, Federal agencies can pay for space, utilities, maintenance, security, and start-up costs for child care centers when the agency determines that these are necessary expenses for recruitment and retention of employees. The General Services Administration (GSA), as part of its child care support program, will pay certain construction costs associated with developing or modifying Federal space to accommodate child care centers. These costs are billed back to agencies later through rent charges.

The USGS opened its first on-site child care center in Menlo Park, Calif., in June 1987. The GEOKIDS Daycare Center serves 60 families from two Federal agencies and more than a dozen local firms in a cooperative operation. In a grass-roots endeavor, parents established the center by raising funds, obtaining licenses, and hiring caregivers. Although the USGS pays space and utilities costs on an ongoing basis, all operating expenses are covered by tuition and an active fund-raising program.

The USGS participates with 12 other Federal agencies in a child care center in Sacramento, Calif. The Cottage Kids Children's Center opened in December 1989 and accommodates 60 children. In Denver, the USGS has joined with other bureaus of the U.S. Department of the Interior to provide child