Exhibitor Profile-US Geological Survey's Citizen Science Project

Booth #514

Using crowd-sourcing techniques, the US Geological Survey’s (USGS) citizen science project known as The National Map Corps (TNMCorps) encourages citizen volunteers to collect and edit data about manmade structures in an effort to provide accurate and authoritative spatial map data for the The National Map.

The National Map Corps volunteers are successfully editing 10 different structure types in all 50 States, including cemeteries.  Volunteers collect and improve structures data by adding new features, removing obsolete points, and correcting existing data. Points edited are incorporated into the National Structures Database, and ultimately become part of The National Map and US Topo Maps. Currently, the National Map Corps is the primary way cemeteries are updated in GNIS and on US Topo Maps. Currently, the National Map Corps is the primary way cemeteries are updated in GNIS and on US Topo Maps.

Web-based editing platform based on OpenStreeMap infrasturcture

To show appreciation of volunteers’ efforts, The National Map Corps instituted a recognition program that awards “virtual” badges to volunteers (see image 2 ).  

Additionally, volunteers may be publicly acclaimed (with permission) via Twitter, Facebook, and Google+.  The National Map Corps’ website explains how volunteers can edit any area, regardless of their familiarity with the selected structures. Registration is simple and requires only an email address and self-selected username. Through their participation, volunteers make significant contributions to the USGS's ability to provide the nation with accurate and freely available mapping information.

Exhibitor Profile-US Geological Survey's Citizen Science Project