Land use managers increasingly rely on geologic mapping that
returns benefits, including lives saved, resources discovered, costs avoided,
increased efficiency, and fundamental understanding.
The National Geologic Mapping Act of 1992 therefore mandated
the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, which allows partners
to work together in building the National Geologic Map Database. The
NGMA is, however, due for its fourth reauthorization.
In September, Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska cosponsored,
with Senator King of Maine, Senate Bill S-1787, whose role is to reauthorize
the Act
This month, Colorado Representative Doug Lamborn and
Maryland Representative Anthony Brown co-sponsored a corresponding bill, HR-4033.
In a statement, Senator Murkowski stated "We don't have
a detailed geologic map for even one-third of the United States, yet it lays
the foundation for minimizing risks from natural hazards and is the linchpin to
reducing our nation's dependence on foreign minerals".
The 1815 William Smith geological map of England and Wales, seen as the first geological map, was 3D to the extent that it was accompanied by cross-sections. Since then, geological mapping has become fundamental to all geoscience. In the late 1990s, geological survey agencies began to more comprehensively map the thickness and properties of multiple strata, and selected deformed structures, in a 3D GIS environment. 3D models are quickly becoming the standard for assessing resource potential and geological risk for both industry and government, and are frequently used to assist with stakeholder engagement and communication. Speakers from North America, Europe, and China are confirmed. The workshop is a pre-meeting short course at RFG2018. The workshop will be held Saturday and Sunday, June 16-17, 2018, in Vancouver, Canada. The fee is $240.00, with lunches included. 
