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igure 2.- Comparison of level of detail contained in existing small-scale digital data bases for part of Florida, shown here at about 1:5,000,000 scale.

produce maps at scales ranging from 1:2,000,000 to 1:10,000,000.

The data are available on computer tape in two formats. The standard format provides a useful geographic reference system for displaying a wide range of various types of data. It also supports producing color maps and performing area calculations. The second format is a less complex organization of data corresponding to the 21 areas of the National Atlas source maps. Information on boundaries, transportation, and hydrography is available for each area (fig. 3).

An important feature is that these smallscale data are ranked from the "most significant" feature to the "least significant." This scheme allows the user to select a minimal amount of data and gradually to increase this amount to the level of detail needed to support the theme and scale of the particular map. For instance, a user producing a map of 1:5,000,000 scale can exclude all

rivers and streams less than 30 miles long. The data can also be grouped together in various ways to produce logical sets of information; an interstate highway system can be represented either by only those road segments actually classified as interstate roads or as a complete highway system made up of interstate roads and other roads which act as connectors.

Political boundary data are organized into international boundaries, State boundaries, and city and county boundaries. Federally administered lands, such as national forests, national parks, national wildlife refuges, and others, are classified by the length of their longest dimension. This allows the user to select the types of federally administered lands to be displayed and to control the amount of detail for each type selected.

Road and trail data are organized to display densities of connected networks,

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Missions, Organization,

and Budget

Missions

The U.S. Geological Survey was established by an act of Congress on March 3, 1879, to answer the need for a permanent government agency at the Federal level to conduct, on a continuing, systematic, and scientific basis, the investigation of the "geological structure, mineral resources and products of the national domain." A number of laws and executive orders have expanded and modified the scope of the Survey's responsibilities over its 100-year history. Notably, the Survey has been the nurturing ground for many Departmental functions that have grown in importance and subsequently became new bureaus to address specific Federal land management responsibilities. The Bureau of Mines, Bureau of Reclamation, and, most recently (1982), the Minerals Management Service are prominent examples of major organizations in the Department of Interior that have had their origins in the Survey. With these organizational changes, the Survey has served to add a scientific dimension to the performance of many major Department responsibilities. The Survey remains the principal source of scientific and technical expertise in the earth sciences within Interior and, beyond that, within the Federal government. This Yearbook provides highlights of the wide range of earth science research and services in the fields of geology, hydrology, and cartography. Together they represent the continuing pursuit of the long-standing scientific missions of the Survey.

Organization

The U.S.Geological Survey is headquartered in Reston, Virginia. Its activities are administered through three major program divisions (National Mapping, Geologic, and Water Resources). These program operations are serviced by two major support divisions (Administrative and Information Systems). The Survey conducts its functions through an extensive field organization of offices located throughout

the 50 States and Puerto Rico. At the national level, the functions of the Survey are coordinated through six Assistant Directors acting in the area of administration, program analysis, research, information systems, intergovernmental affairs, and engineering geology.

Budget

In fiscal year 1982, the U.S. Geological Survey had obligational authority (including the Minerals Management Service) of $661.8 million, of which $510.0 million came from direct appropriations and $151.8 million from reimbursements. The Survey received funds under two congressional appropriations, "Exploration of National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska" ($2.2 million), and "Surveys, Investigations, and Research," which is the traditional source of direct funding for all other Survey activities ($507.8 million, including the Minerals Management Service). The Survey also received funds for reimbursements for work performed under agreements with Federal agencies, State and local governments, international organizations, and foreign governments. The Survey performs services under these agreements when earth science expertise is Percentage allocation of funds, by Division.

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