State Geologic Map Compilation: Conterminous U.S. Geology Database

Conterminous United States geology is represented by a seamless spatial database compiling 48 state geologic maps at scales from 1:50,000 to 1:1,000,000. The dataset was created by the U.S. Geological Survey and includes updated data for six states and seven entirely new state maps added since preliminary releases. It supports national-scale studies by providing standardized data on lithology, age, and stratigraphy.

Use Cases

• Conduct spatial analyses of lithology at a national scale based on standardized state map data.
• Interpret geochemistry or geophysical datasets using the geologic context provided by the map compilation.
• Study stratigraphy and age relationships across the conterminous United States based on the compiled geologic units.

Strengths

• Compiles 48 individual state geologic maps into a single seamless database.
• Includes updated data for six states and seven entirely new state maps.
• Data have been standardized to allow national-scale analysis of lithology, age, and stratigraphy.

Limitations

• Geologic units have not been reconciled across state boundaries, so it is not a fully integrated map.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.

Provenance

Source

United States Geological Survey

Collection Method

Compilation and standardization of individual U.S. Geological Survey Preliminary Integrated Geologic Map Databases, with corrections and enhancements.

Geography

Conterminous United States