The National Map Corps
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The National Map Corps is a volunteer organization affiliated with the US Geological Survey. Volunteers utilize GPS receivers to obtain latitude and longitude coordinates for structures in 7.5 minute topographic maps. The coordinates for these points are then submitted to the USGS for use in The National Map.
Among the structures volunteers obtain coordinates for are churches, schools, hospitals, libraries, fire stations, police stations, and radio towers.
During the registration process, prospective volunteers submit a list of the 7.5 minute quadrangle maps they wish to work on. Once accepted into the project, volunteers receive their assignment and a 7.5 minute 1:24,000 scale topo map of their quad. While there is no deadline for completing maps, the project's administrators prefer volunteers to submit coordinates for all structures in the quad no more than one year after beginning work. The names of the structures and their coordinates are submitted via e-mail to the USGS National Geospatial Technical Operations Center III in Rolla, MO in spreadsheet format. Data submissions in ESRI shapefile format are also accepted.
In December 2006 a new internet-based method for submitting information on structures was introduced. Using a web browser, volunteers are able to navigate maps and aerial photography, placing a point on the map and subsequently entering the name and type of structure.
