In certain situations, a symbol or its usage might need to be modified in order to better represent a particular feature on a geologic map or cross section. Please be aware that this standard is not intended to be used inflexibly or in a manner that will limit one's ability to communicate the observations and interpretations gained from geologic mapping. It will be useful to anyone who either produces or uses geologic map information, whether in analog or digital form. The standard is scale-independent, meaning that the symbols are appropriate for use with geologic mapping compiled or published at any scale. The standard also can be used for different kinds of special-purpose or derivative map products and databases that may be focused on a specific geoscience topic (for example, slope stability) or class of features (for example, a fault map). The FGDC Digital Cartographic Standard for Geologic Map Symbolization contains descriptions, examples, cartographic specifications, and notes on usage for a wide variety of symbols that may be used on typical, general-purpose geologic maps and related products such as cross sections.
Presented herein is the PostScript Implementation of the standard, which will enable users to directly apply the symbols in the standard to geologic maps and illustrations prepared in desktop illustration and (or) publishing software. In August 2006, the Digital Cartographic Standard for Geologic Map Symbolization was officially endorsed by the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) as the national standard for the digital cartographic representation of geologic map features (FGDC Document Number FGDC-STD-013-2006). PLEASE NOTE: This now-approved "FGDC Digital Cartographic Standard for Geologic Map Symbolization (PostScript Implementation)" officially supercedes its earlier (2000) Public Review Draft version (see "Earlier Versions of the Standard" below). Federal Geographic Data Commitee Prepared in cooperation with the Geologic Data Subcommittee of the Federal Geographic Data CommitteeįGDC Digital Cartographic Standard for Geologic Map Symbolization (PostScript Implementation) By the U.S.