Hello everyone:

USGS is now collecting limited crowd-sourced information that can be provided as both GIS data and included in future topographic maps.  USGS began collecting VGI – volunteered geographic information – for structures for a number of states several months ago.  The agency recently expanded this pilot effort to cover another 16 states, including California and Nevada.

The USGS news release can be seen here:
http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=3620

USGS is interested in your input on locations for certain public buildings, as mentioned in the news release.  This would be a good exercise to look at from a county or local perspective.  There might also be situations in CA where organizing a multi-county effort (e.g. through a Council of Governments or a GIS collaborative) would be beneficial.

We would be very interested in hearing what you think about this and any plans you may have to contribute data.  We can help with any questions you may have and can set up a conference call or discussion anytime on the subject.

Thanks,
Carol Ostergren
Drew Decker

Hello California GIS users.

We wanted to make everyone aware of several map services that USGS supports. These allow you to view nationwide data from The National Map in your GIS software. To use these in ArcGIS – select Add Data button then choose GIS Server from the list, then “add ArcGIS Server”

To add the tiled map cache (these are background topographic map images, including topo maps with and without imagery), use: http://basemap.nationalmap.gov/ArcGIS/rest/services

If you want raster data services, use: http://raster.nationalmap.gov/ArcGIS/rest/services

And if you want vector data services use: http://services.nationalmap.gov/ArcGIS/rest/services

There is also a NED status service (this shows availability and resolution of USGS digital elevation models) at: http://igskmncnvs526.cr.usgs.gov/arcgis/rest/services

Hope these help and please let us know if you have any questions.  Thanks,

Carol Ostergren
Drew Decker
USGS Geospatial Liaison for Pacific Region
NSDI Partnership Office, U.S. Geological Survey
4165 Spruance Road, Suite 200
San Diego, CA 92101
619-225-6430
619-225-6101 fax
ddecker@usgs.gov
http://liaisons.usgs.gov/geospatial/California/
http://liaisons.usgs.gov/geospatial/Hawaii/

Data collected by the Operational Land Imager (OLI) and the Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS) onboard the Landsat 8 satellite are available to download at no charge from GloVis, EarthExplorer, or via the LandsatLook Viewer.  For more info, click image below.

Google has rebuilt Maps from the “ground up”, with a new interface, search abilities, and faster performance.  Check it out at http://maps.google.com/preview .

Google Maps will be based on vector imagery delivered via WebGL.  Maps will also include 3D photographic imagery for some locations and user-uploaded photos.

Google has also updated its mobile apps for iOS and Android, which includes traffic alerts with live accident information and rerouting capabilities.  An iPad version will also be released this summer.

Android and iPhone users can now use their mobile devices as digital topo maps, leveraging USGS maps together with the power of GPS to zoom in on their precise location while hiking, biking, running, or any other activity that benefits from precision navigation.

The type of data that are available includes USGS imagery and topographic maps from The National Map, as well as road and contour layers.  For more info, visit http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=3580 .