Digitized legacy maps of surficial geology and morphology of the central Arctic Coastal Plain, Alaska

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Frequently anticipated questions:

What does this data set describe?

Title:
Digitized legacy maps of surficial geology and morphology of the central Arctic Coastal Plain, Alaska
Abstract:
Digitized legacy maps of surficial geology and morphology of the central Arctic Coastal Plain, Alaska, Data Release, provides a digitized version of Rawlinson's 1993 surficial geologic map, covering the Flaxman Island and Beechy Point quadrangles, plus parts of Mount Michelson and Harrison Bay, at 1:63,360 scale (Rawlinson, 1993, https://doi.org/10.14509/2484). In 2024, USGS staff scanned, georeferenced, and projected the maps into GIS and corrected typographic and labeling errors with input from the author. DGGS staff subsequently converted these files into the GeMS geodatabase standard. The complete report, geodatabase, and ESRI fonts and style files are available from the DGGS website: https://dggs.alaska.gov/pubs/31429.
Supplemental_Information:
This geodatabase is organized according to the Geologic Map Schema (GeMS) standard published as Techniques and Methods 11-B10 by the USGS. The conversion was performed within the framework and mechanisms of the Alaska Geologic Mapping System's AK GeMS mapping schema Hendricks, M.D., Ekberg, P.G., Athey, J.E., Wyatt, W.C., Willingham, A.L., and Naibert, T.J., 2021, AK GeMS data dictionary: A description of the Alaska geologic mapping schema: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Miscellaneous Publication 170, 10 p. https://doi.org/10.14509/30669. The distribution package includes ESRI fonts and style files, along with usage instructions. Further documentation of the symbology is provided by Ekberg, P.G., Hendricks, M.D., and Athey, J.E., 2021, AK GeMS symbology: A description of the AK GeMS style file: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Miscellaneous Publication 169, 7 p. https://doi.org/10.14509/30584
  1. How might this data set be cited?
    Giesche, A.M., Rawlinson, S.E., Labay, K.A., Shew, N.B., Pongratz, A.L., and Wilson, F.H., 2024, Digitized legacy maps of surficial geology and morphology of the central Arctic Coastal Plain, Alaska: Data Release Giesche, A.M. and others, 2024, U.S. Geological Survey, United States.

    Online Links:

  2. What geographic area does the data set cover?
    West_Bounding_Coordinate: -151.278616
    East_Bounding_Coordinate: -143.656152
    North_Bounding_Coordinate: 70.798955
    South_Bounding_Coordinate: 69.614530
  3. What does it look like?
  4. Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?
    Beginning_Date: 1968
    Ending_Date: 2025
    Currentness_Reference:
    ground condition
  5. What is the general form of this data set?
    Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: geodatabase
  6. How does the data set represent geographic features?
    1. How are geographic features stored in the data set?
      This is a vector data set.
    2. What coordinate system is used to represent geographic features?
      The map projection used is Alaska Albers.
      Projection parameters:
      Standard_Parallel: 55.0
      Standard_Parallel: 65.0
      Longitude_of_Central_Meridian: -154.0
      Latitude_of_Projection_Origin: 50.0
      False_Easting: 0
      False_Northing: 0
      Planar coordinates are encoded using coordinate pair
      Abscissae (x-coordinates) are specified to the nearest 0.0000000030536018158500163
      Ordinates (y-coordinates) are specified to the nearest 0.0000000030536018158500163
      Planar coordinates are specified in meters
      The horizontal datum used is NAD83.
      The ellipsoid used is GRS 80.
      The semi-major axis of the ellipsoid used is 6378137.
      The flattening of the ellipsoid used is 1/298.257222101.
  7. How does the data set describe geographic features?
    central_ak_arctic_coastal_plain_ak_gems_db_pkg
    Geodatabase, layer files, style files, and fonts (Source: DGGS and USGS)
    central_ak_arctic_coastal_plain_gems_db_pkg
    Geodatabase, layer files, style files, and fonts (Source: DGGS and USGS)
    central_ak_arctic_coastal_plain_gems_geopackage
    SQLite Database file (Source: DGGS and USGS)
    central_ak_arctic_coastal_plain_gems_shapefile_pkg
    Shapefiles and open data files (Source: DGGS and USGS)

Who produced the data set?

  1. Who are the originators of the data set? (may include formal authors, digital compilers, and editors)
  2. Who also contributed to the data set?
    This map was digitized into GeMS, quality controlled, and then finalized by DGGS staff and contractor. This geologic map (or report or conversion or product, etc.) was funded by the USGS National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program under STATEMAP award number G23AC00584, 2023, and the State of Alaska General Fund. The views and conclusions contained in this document are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as necessarily representing the official policies, either expressed or implied, of the U.S. Government.
  3. To whom should users address questions about the data?
    Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys
    Metadata Manager
    3354 College Road
    Fairbanks, AK
    USA

    (907)451-5020 (voice)
    (907)451-5050 (FAX)
    dggspubs@alaska.gov
    Hours_of_Service: 8 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, except State holidays
    Contact_Instructions:
    Please view our website (https://www.dggs.alaska.gov) for the latest information on available data. Please contact us using the e-mail address provided above when possible.

Why was the data set created?

This digital geologic data conversion product is intended to facilitate multi-map merging of adjacent work by USGS and State of Alaska, Department of Natural Resources, Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys (DGGS) staff.

How was the data set created?

  1. From what previous works were the data drawn?
    Ekberg, P.G. and others, 2021 (source 1 of 3)
    Ekberg, P.G., Hendricks, M.D., and Athey, J.E., 2021, AK GeMS symbology: A description of the AK GeMS style file: Miscellaneous Publication MP 169, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 7 p
    Type_of_Source_Media: paper
    Source_Contribution: GIS analysis and digital cartography
    Hendricks, M.D. and others, 2021 (source 2 of 3)
    Hendricks, M.D., Ekberg, P.G., Athey, J.E., Wyatt, W.C., Willingham, A.L., and Naibert, T.J., 2021, AK GeMS data dictionary: A description of the Alaska geologic mapping schema: Miscellaneous Publication MP 170, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 10 p
    Type_of_Source_Media: paper
    Source_Contribution: GIS analysis and digital cartography
    U.S. Geological Survey National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, 2020 (source 3 of 3)
    U.S. Geological Survey National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, 2020, GeMS (Geologic Map Schema) - A standard format for the digital publication of geologic maps: Techniques and Methods TM 11-B10, U.S. Geological Survey, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 1 p
    Type_of_Source_Media: paper
    Source_Contribution: GIS analysis and digital cartography
  2. How were the data generated, processed, and modified?
    Date: 2024 (process 1 of 2)
    Geologic mapping - The Rawlinson 1993 surficial geologic map was developed through manual photointerpretation of color infrared aerial photographs using acetate overlays and a stereoscope, with map features transferred to a base using a zoom-transfer scope. Due to technological limitations in the 1980s, only low-resolution 1:250,000-scale black-and-white Landsat imagery was available for reference. Fieldwork conducted between 1981 and 1985 supported the photointerpretation, focusing on exposed areas along coasts, rivers, and gravel pits. This map incorporated data from 464 measured stratigraphic sections and 678 samples analyzed for grain size, radiocarbon and thermoluminescence dating, amino acid analysis, wood identification, and microfossil and pollen content. In 2024, the original paper maps were scanned, georeferenced, and digitized into GIS by USGS staff , with 100-200 typographic and labeling errors corrected in consultation with the original author. The digitized version retains the original 1993 interpretation of surficial geology and does not incorporate newer geological insights.
    Date: 2025 (process 2 of 2)
    GIS analysis and digital cartography - This data distribution package's geologic and geographic features were organized and attributed according to the AK GeMS geologic mapping schema. The legacy data were programmatically transformed to provide download options in three formats: (1) an AK GeMS data package that includes the complete AK GeMS database and associated files, (2) a GeMS data package that is a conversion of the AK GeMS database into the base GeMS standard published by the USGS, and (3) a shapefile data package that includes two simple shapefile representations of the data. Data sources used in this process:
    • Ekberg, P.G. and others, 2021
    • Hendricks, M.D. and others, 2021
    • U.S. Geological Survey National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, 2020
  3. What similar or related data should the user be aware of?
    Gavel, M.M., and Hubbard, T.D., 2021, Digital data addendum: Analytical data and field observations from surficial geology and morphology of the Alaskan central Arctic Coastal Plain, 1981-1987: Report of Investigation RI 93-1A, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 6 p
    Rawlinson, S.E., 1993, Surficial geology and morphology of the Alaskan central Arctic Coastal Plain: Report of Investigation RI 93-1, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 172 p., 6 sheets, scale 1:63,360

How reliable are the data; what problems remain in the data set?

  1. How well have the observations been checked?
    Attribute fields within each feature class are populated using the map symbology and corresponding applicable values from the GeMS and AK GeMS specifications. When known, certainty in attribute interpretation is indicated in the relevant fields. Attribute accuracy varies throughout the map and is scale-dependent.
  2. How accurate are the geographic locations?
    This data release provides legacy USGS geologic mapping converted to the GeMS and AK GeMS specifications. The data compilers used map symbology to determine positional accuracy. The data pairs descriptive fields within each feature class with location confidence lookup tables to record the originating authors' degree of confidence in the location of features. When location accuracy values are unavailable, users must infer positional accuracy based on standard geologic mapping practices of the investigation era. Certainty in feature boundaries or location varies throughout the map.
  3. How accurate are the heights or depths?
  4. Where are the gaps in the data? What is missing?
    This work is complete. We encourage users to review the original DGGS release for a print-formatted map and documentation provided in the accompanying report or map.
  5. How consistent are the relationships among the observations, including topology?
    All polygon features were topologically validated according to the AK GeMS geologic mapping schema specifications.

How can someone get a copy of the data set?

Are there legal restrictions on access or use of the data?
Access_Constraints:
This report, map, and/or dataset is available directly from the State of Alaska, Department of Natural Resources, Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys (see contact information below).
Use_Constraints:
Any hard copies or published datasets utilizing these datasets shall clearly indicate their source. If the user has modified the data in any way, the user is obligated to describe the types of modifications the user has made. The user specifically agrees not to misrepresent these datasets, nor to imply that changes made by the user were approved by the State of Alaska, Department of Natural Resources, Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys. The State of Alaska makes no express or implied warranties (including warranties for merchantability and fitness) with respect to the character, functions, or capabilities of the electronic data or products or their appropriateness for any user's purposes. In no event will the State of Alaska be liable for any incidental, indirect, special, consequential, or other damages suffered by the user or any other person or entity whether from the use of the electronic services or products or any failure thereof or otherwise. In no event will the State of Alaska's liability to the Requestor or anyone else exceed the fee paid for the electronic service or product.
  1. Who distributes the data set? (Distributor 1 of 1)
    Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys
    Metadata Manager
    3354 College Road
    Fairbanks, AK
    USA

    (907)451-5020 (voice)
    (907)451-5050 (FAX)
    dggspubs@alaska.gov
    Hours_of_Service: 8 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, except State holidays
    Contact_Instructions:
    Please view our website (https://www.dggs.alaska.gov) for the latest information on available data. Please contact us using the e-mail address provided above when possible.
  2. What's the catalog number I need to order this data set? Giesche, A.M. and others, 2024
  3. What legal disclaimers am I supposed to read?
    The State of Alaska makes no expressed or implied warranties (including warranties for merchantability and fitness) with respect to the character, functions, or capabilities of the electronic data or products or their appropriateness for any user's purposes. In no event will the State of Alaska be liable for any incidental, indirect, special, consequential, or other damages suffered by the user or any other person or entity whether from the use of the electronic services or products or any failure thereof or otherwise. In no event will the State of Alaska's liability to the Requestor or anyone else exceed the fee paid for the electronic service or product.
  4. How can I download or order the data?

Who wrote the metadata?

Dates:
Last modified: 02-Oct-2025
Metadata author:
Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys
Attn: Simone Montayne
Metadata Manager
3354 College Road
Fairbanks, AK
USA

(907)451-5020 (voice)
(907)451-5050 (FAX)
dggspubs@alaska.gov
Hours_of_Service: 8 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, except State holidays
Metadata standard:
FGDC Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata (FGDC-STD-001-1998)
Metadata extensions used:
Generated by mp version 2.9.50 on Thu Oct 02 11:48:07 2025