GEOLOGY
Accessing diverse geologic information using Kentucky Geological Survey’s online geologic map service.
GERALD A. WEISENFLUH, DOUGLAS C. CURL, and MATTHEW M. CRAWFORD*, Kentucky
Geological Survey, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY. 40506-0107.
The completion of digital, 1:24,000-scale statewide geology for use in GIS has allowed for
flexibility in access and distribution of geologic data. By bringing together existing products and services,
and constructing new databases, the Kentucky Geological Survey has developed a Web site that allows
highly customized maps to be created and access to related online information, including well data,
geotechnical data, photographs, illustrations, and other descriptions about Kentucky’s geology.
The original objective of this service was simply to be a viewing resource for traditional geologic
map information. But, ArcIMS and related technology has allowed for a design that provides viewing and
access of many different subjects related to the context of a user’s area of interest. For example, land-use
planners needed to view soils and wetlands in the context of a geologic base. Coal companies want to view
mapped coals and have access to tabular databases of coal boreholes, quality, or thickness. In addition to
viewing traditional geologic data, users are able to customize maps turning on or off a multitude of basemap layers, including 1:24, 000-scale topography, digital orthoimagery, roads, and index maps.
It became clear that users of this online system would have diverse geologic backgrounds and
differ in how they use geologic maps. This system addresses those needs in searching, creating, and
viewing geologic map and related information.