TopoZone and USGS Create the National Map Partnership

TopoZone has entered into a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement with the USGS to create Open Source software tools for the USGS National Map project.

North Chelmsford, MA (PRWEB) December 8, 2003 -- Maps a la carte, Inc., creators of TopoZone, today announced it has entered into a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the USGS to support the USGS The National Map project. Under the agreement, Maps a la carte will develop, enhance, and document a suite of Open Source software for serving geospatial data over the Internet.

Working with partners, the USGS is building The National Map as a framework for geographic knowledge that will provide current, accurate, and nationally consistent digital data and topographic maps derived from those data to the Nation. The availability of software tools for hosting and serving geospatial data in a flexible, low cost way, without being tied to specific or proprietary formats or vendors, will encourage more state, local and private holders of geospatial data to serve it through The National Map.

"Partnership projects like the one with TopoZone provide excellent opportunities for the USGS to leverage technology to help us ensure that our scientific information can be used easily and reliably," said Barbara Ryan, Associate Director for Geography. "We see the development of Open Source software tools as a step in the right direction for partnering with public and private organizations to provide seamless access to USGS data."

TopoZone has developed a unique, complete library of USGS digital topographic maps (DRG), aerial photographs (DOQQ) and other geospatial data. All data is stored at full uncompressed resolution and served to the TopoZone web site and to partners through the Open GIS Consortiums Web Mapping Service (OGC WMS) interface. TopoZone will make this 20-Terabyte library of data available to the USGS for testing with other technologies for The National Map.

TopoZone has always provided the highest-quality digital cartographic data available to Web users. Our expertise in supporting heavy user traffic and large cartographic databases through the use of Open Source tools makes us an ideal partner for the USGS in this project," commented Ed McNierney, President and Chief Mapmaker of Maps a la carte, Inc. Weve always had an excellent cooperative relationship with the USGS and we look forward to extending that relationship to partners in The National Map project."

TopoZones Internet mapping system is built using Open Source tools, including the MapServer system, an Open Source Internet map server originally developed at the University of Minnesota. The MapServer system will be used to serve data to The National Map and will be provided to USGS partners along with complementary software tools and documentation.

About the USGS

The USGS serves the nation by providing reliable scientific information to describe and understand the Earth; minimize loss of life and property from natural disasters; manage water, biological, energy, and mineral resources; and enhance and protect our quality of life.

To receive USGS news releases go to http://www.usgs.gov/public/list_server.html

About Maps a la carte, Inc.

Maps a la carte, Inc. is the leading provider of digital topographic mapping data and Internet mapping services. The Company provides Web mapping services as a Web GIS application service provider for applications needing access to the Companys online spatial data library of topographic maps and aerial photographs. Industries that use the Companys products and services include environmental consulting, engineering, forestry, telecommunications, land surveying, land management, oil and gas and real estate. The Company also operates TopoZone.com for reference by professionals and the general public. TopoZone's full national coverage, unique search tools and interactive coordinate display capabilities allow users to easily locate places in the United States, create customized maps on demand, and highlight specialized places of interest and information. Maps a la carte, Inc. is a USGS Digital Cartographic Business Partner and has served over 300 million topographic maps over the Web since launching TopoZone.com in November 1999. For more information visit http://www.topozone.com

Contact:Ed McNierney

    President and Chief Mapmaker

    TopoZone.com / Maps a la carte, Inc.

    73 Princeton Street, Suite 305

    North Chelmsford, MA 01863

    Phone (978) 251-4242, Fax (978) 251-1396

    ed@topozone.com

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