Each map unit has lithologic descriptions that were derived from the original GQ map. Economic and geotechnical descriptions are also provided. These descriptions are stored in text paragraphs organized by 7.5-minute quadrangle, and can be viewed with the "LithoDescription.hlp" file that is provided with the DVGQ data. This file is a Microsoft Windows Help file and works on any computer that uses Microsoft Windows. Download a sample lithology help file.

Map unit descriptions may consist of a single paragraph or multiple paragraphs that correspond to formal or informal components. For example, the DVGQ map unit "Ashlock Formation" may have descriptions of its formal members -- Reba, Terrill, Stingy Creek, Gilbert and Tate -- but not a single description of itself. Other map units may have descriptions that informally refer to an upper and lower part.

To access and use map descriptions, follow the steps below:

• Double-click on the LithoDescription.hlp file to open it. A page in the help file will appear with a list of quadrangle names.
• Single-click on a quadrangle of interest, and a popup list of formations and units that are mapped on both the original and digital geologic quadrangle map will appear. The units in bold are those mapped as rock units in the DVGQ data. The other (non-bold) names are members or units that were described on the original GQ, but not digitized as part of the database.
• In the popup window, click on a unit of interest, and a new page will appear with a description of that unit.
• You may also perform phrase and word searches of all the lithologic descriptions by using the "Find" button located on the top of the window.
  
• "Expert" GIS Users: The LithoDescription.hlp file can be linked directly (via a "hotlink" or similar feature in GIS software) to the shapefiles that contain the FMCODE and GQNUM attributes (such as the formation areas and formation contact shapefiles). Within the Help file, the individual pages of descriptions are categorized and linked to the table of contents by FMCODE and GQNUM. You can see these links by looking through the index within the Help file, and scrolling through the names. These links are in the format "GQNUM_FMCODE." This format enables you to link digital geologic features that contain these attributes directly to the Help file. Therefore, if a map unit is queried, then the user can view the lithologic description of the queried unit. For more information on how to "hotlink" the Help file to the digital geologic data in ArcView projects using Avenue scripts, please contact Doug Curl at the Kentucky Geological Survey at dcurl@uky.edu.