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Digital Spatial DataGlobal GIS
Description
The USGS has a well-deserved reputation for the collection, interpretation, and distribution of geologic, hydrologic, cartographic, and biologic data. Although the Bureau's mission is primarily domestic in focus, many of the datasets we develop are global. These include the recently released Global Digital Elevation Model (DEM), a wide variety of remotely sensed products, data on world oil, gas, coal, and mineral deposits, biodiversity, and geologic hazards (earthquakes, volcanoes, and landslides). Virtually all of these datasets are readily available in digital form, either on the Internet or on CD-ROM. However, most of them are stand-alone products, and, even though they are readily available, they often require specialized software access. Very few have been combined into integrated products. The GIS is built from relatively small scale data (1:1 million scale or 1 Km resolution) and put on seven CD-ROM's organized by regions of the world. Each CD-ROM would integrate data for a given region at a scale of 1:1 million scale and would include a user-friendly GIS viewer. Also a single DVD-ROM will be created that includes all the data with a refined interface.
Global GIS Datasets Vector datasets
* Access Constraints: Redistribution of some of datasets (datasets with * mark above) and ArcView Data Publisher is prohibited without permission. Comments for the AGSL? Send them to agsl@uwm.edu |
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Application
of GIS in the geosciences has grown explosively over the past few
years as scientists and land-use specialists have been able to prepare
thematic maps and determine spatial relations among multiple datasets.
Although GIS applications hold great potential for most organizations,
their availability and application largely have been limited to
institutions that can afford and assemble the necessary hardware,
software, datasets, and hard-to-find technical expertise. Our approach
can provide a good source of data and GIS tools to the community at
large.
Combining
existing global datasets in this manner enhances the impact of
individual data products and make the aggregate product attractive to
a larger and more diverse customer base. The Global GIS database is
designed to be used with the full version of