Core Science Systems
Home
CSS leads USGS’s mission as the civilian mapping agency for the Nation. We conduct detailed surveys and develop high quality, highly accurate topographic, geologic, hydrographic, and biogeographic maps and data. Our maps allow precise planning for critical mineral assessments; energy development; infrastructure projects; urban planning; flood prediction; emergency response; and hazard mitigation.
National Geospatial Program
The National Geospatial Program is the Federal civilian mapping agency and provides the digital geospatial foundation for the Nation. It engages partners and communities of use to collaboratively produce consistent and accurate topographic map data.
Learn MoreScience Analytics and Synthesis (SAS)
The USGS Science Data Catalog, supported by SAS, provides seamless access to USGS research and monitoring data from across the nation. Users have the ability to search, browse, or use a map-based interface to discover data.
Learn MoreNews
Mapping Challenge Update (10/10/19): City / Town Hall Structures in OH and WV
This challenge is coming along nicely with another 150 points added since our last update!
Mapping Challenge Update (10/10/19): Cemeteries in Calhoun, Jackson, and Kalamazoo Counties, MI
Here's the weekly update for this challenge. Approximately 50 points have been edited since the last update. Nice work!
Mapping Challenge Update (10/10/19): Schools in Wayne Co, MI
This challenge is close to being finished, but not quite yet! There are still several points that we need your help with!
Publications
A spatio-contextual probabilistic model for extracting linear features in hilly terrain from high-resolution DEM data
This paper introduces our research in developing a probabilistic model to extract linear terrain features from high resolution DEM (Digital Elevation Model) data. The proposed model takes full advantage of spatio-contextual information to characterize terrain changes. It first derives a quantifiable measure of spatio-contextual patterns of linear...
Zhou, Xiran; Li, Wenwen; Arundel, Samantha The effect of resolution on terrain feature extraction
Recent increase in the production of high-resolution digital elevation models (DEMs) from lidar data has led to interest in their use for terrain mapping. Although the impact of different resolutions has been studied relative to terrain characteristics like roughness, slope and curvature, its relationship to the extraction of terrain features...
Arundel, Samantha; Li, Wenwen; Zhou, Xiran
Supply chain infrastructure restoration calculator software tool—Developer guide and user manual
This report describes a software tool that calculates costs associated with the reconstruction of supply chain interdependent critical infrastructure in the advent of a catastrophic failure by either outside forces (extreme events) or internal forces (fatigue). This tool fills a gap between search and recover strategies of the Federal Emergency...
Ojha, Akhilesh; Kanwar, Bhanu; Long, Suzanna K.; Shoberg, Thomas G.; Corns, Steven