By Ralph Derickson

"A new map such as this one incorporates years of work and reflects the most current geologic information and insight. This map and the accompanying digital data sets will not only be of interest to geologists, but also to people involved with engineering, agriculture, urban and rural planning, and environmental protection projects."

-- Jim Cobb, director, Kentucky Geological Survey

Aug. 23, 2002 (Lexington, Ky.) -- The Kentucky Geological Survey (KGS) located at the University of Kentucky recently published the "Geologic Map of the Lexington 30 x 60 Minute Quadrangle, Central Kentucky" by Thomas Sparks, Garland Dever Jr. and Warren Anderson. The geologic map includes Lexington, Cynthiana, Versailles, Lawrenceburg, Frankfort, Georgetown, Midway, Monterey, Millersburg and Paris.

The Lexington quadrangle map was digitally compiled from 32 separate 1:24,000-scale quadrangle maps, and covers an area of approximately 31 miles by 54 miles. As a result, it is unique in displaying a valuable regional perspective, while at the same time providing an exceptionally high level of accuracy and detail. The digital files that were used to create this map are also available from KGS as digital data sets for use in geographic information systems (GIS) and other computer software.

"A new map such as this one incorporates years of work and reflects the most current geologic information and insight," said KGS Director Jim Cobb. "This map and the accompanying digital data sets will not only be of interest to geologists, but also to people involved with engineering, agriculture, urban and rural planning, and environmental protection projects."

Citizens, private companies and government agencies will no longer have to digitize parts of the printed map for use in their own reports or assessments.

Instead, they can use the digital data sets, which are available on CD-ROM.

The digital data sets allow persons to use the geologic map information together with other data to address issues such as landslides, flooding, groundwater supply and protection, and waste disposal. They are also ideal for regional and county-level planning for such purposes as the construction of highways, managing watersheds, restoring wetlands, and planning land use and development.

The Lexington quadrangle map is available from the KGS Publication Sales Office for $8 and may be ordered by calling (859) 257-3896 or toll free at (877) 778-7827.

The digital data sets are available individually or in groups on CD-ROM for $10 per quadrangle. The CD-ROM includes a tutorial that explains the format of the data and other necessary information for its use.

To order the digital data sets on CD-ROM, contact Bart Davidson at (859) 257-5500 or by e-mail by clicking here. For information about the digital mapping program, contact Jerry Weisenfluh at (859) 257-5500 or by e-mail by clicking here or visit the KGS Web site.