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Spatial Data Development and Analysis - Geophysical Databases

Task Objectives

Regional geophysical data, in particular gravity and magnetic anomaly coverages, provide important control for permissive tract delineations that are an essential part of mineral resource assessments. Major advances in the quality and availability of these data are the result of systematic work conducted by the National Surveys and Analysis Projects. The new geophysical data compilations are available for download through numerous USGS internal and external websites, but have not been captured in a centralized web-based geospatial portal. It is important to centralize the data availability in order to facilitate use and maintenance of these data. This SubTask will coordinate with other Tasks and Projects in development of a common mode of data distribution and accessibility.

Objectives of this SubTask are:

1. Centralize magnetic and gravity data compiled during the Surveys and Analysis Projects so that they can be easily located and maintained.
2. Explore options for distributing centralized data through a web-based geospatial portal making data easily accessible to scientists involved in the Updated National Mineral Resource Assessment.
3. Implement the prototype web-based geospatial portal.
4. Design and create derivative geophysical products useful for the Updated National Mineral Resource Assessment through the web-based geospatial portal.

Statement of Work

During 2008, the remaining state compilation aeromagnetic datasets will be completed. These states include: Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Texas. These data, along with those already compiled, will be cataloged and organized on a central server. Investigations into the appropriate platform and architecture for the development of a web-based geospatial portal will continue and be finalized. Once finalized, development of the prototype portal can commence.

Highlights & Key Findings

In 2007 evaluation of three software packages for generating a web-based geospatial portal for geophysical data was initiated. Two of these, Intrepid’s JetStream and Geosoft’s Data Access Protocol (DAP), are designed specifically for geophysical data. Existing USGS archived geophysical data are compatible with both packages. Both packages cost about $50,000, not including hardware. At this point neither JetStream nor DAP is capable of generating derivative geophysical products, but this may change in the future. The third package, ESRI’s ArcGIS Server, is not designed specifically for geophysical data. However, ArcGIS Server appears to be capable of handling this type of information and can also generate derivative geophysical products; its evaluation is ongoing. ArcGIS Server is included in the USGS enterprise license with ESRI. Consequently, although some additional hardware would be required, software would not have to be purchased. ArcGIS Server appears to be robust and capable of integrating other datasets from within the SubTask.

References to non-USGS products and services are provided for information only and do not constitute endorsement or warranty, express or implied, by the USGS, USDOI, or U.S. Government, as to their suitability, content, usefulness, functions, completeness, or accuracy.

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