NASA/USGS Planetary Geologic Mapping Program
Note to Authors Preparing Digital Planetary MapsThe U.S. Geological Survey, Flagstaff, Arizona, presently is producing totally digital planetary geologic maps. To help speed the production process and cut overall costs for producing these maps, authors are encouraged to submit digital files whenever possible. The Cartography section supporting the Astrogeology Team prepares all maps using the Macintosh computer platform. They attempt to use the most recent versions of the following software: Adobe IllustratorAdobe PhotoShop Adobe PageMaker (for pamphlet, when necessary, that accompanies a map) Microsoft Word Digital files should be submitted to the USGS on one (or more, if necessary) of the following disk types: SyQuest 44MB or 88MB Zip 100MB Compact Disk (CD) 3.5" floppy Text (including the main body, references cited, tabular material, figure and table captions, description of map units, and symbol descriptions) should be saved as MS Word for the Mac or as Rich Text Format (RTF) if using a PC; if those formats are not available, then the text should be saved as Text Only (ASCII). Line drawings and graphs and other artwork should be saved as Illustrator files whenever possible; if that format is not available, save the files as PostScript (PS) or Encapsulated PostScript (EPS). If the drawing or graph is not available as a digital file, the USGS will scan the artwork and create the final illustration. Photographic images (Viking Orbiter, MDIM's, MOC, MOLA, etc.) should be provided as digital files when possible-send as RAW files or tagged image file format (TIFF). Preferably, the digital file of the image should not have any type or linework included with it. If type and/or linework are necessary for the illustration, make sure they are on separate layers. Hard copy prints showing lettering and linework should be provided. If only hard copy is available, submit clean glossy prints. Do not ink lines on the glossy print or add sticky-back lettering to the glossy print. All lettering, contacts, arrows, scale, lat/long, etc. should be placed on a registered mylar or clear film overlay and marked with the appropriate figure number. If the USGS is unable to obtain the digital image, we will scan the print and add the lettering and linework on separate digital layers. The geologic map should be prepared with separate layers for structure symbols and geologic contacts. If the map is created in color, each unit should have a separate layer. Preferably, the digital map should be saved as an Illustrator file; if that is not possible, save as an EPS file. If the map is not digitized, the linework should be placed on the "brownline" supplied to the mapper by the USGS. When mapping the quadrangle, if the geologic contacts are placed directly on the brownline and the structure symbols are placed on a registered mylar or clear film overlay, production of the final map will be much quicker and less costly. In either case, the map linework must include the photomosaic base when submitted for review. If need be, you may request that USGS assist with the printing of hard copies for review purposes only. Note: Authors using software not listed above are encouraged to contact Derrick Hirsch, Technical Editor, at (928) 556-7188 (dhirsch@usgs.gov) or Darlene Casebier, Cartographer, at (928) 556-7238 (dryan@usgs.gov) for guidance.
Contact:
Dr. Kenneth L. Tanaka
U.S. Geological Survey, 2255 N. Gemini Drive, Flagstaff, Arizona 86001 |
