Activities

Progress to date

Following a comprehensive analysis of all CGMW maps DIMAS can confirm that there has been and continues to be considerable diversity in which geological and related features appear on CGMW maps and the way that these features have been portrayed. We thus concur absolutely with the underlying reasons for the creation of this Working Group – if CGMW does not establish and promulgate standard specifications, then in this digital era, there can be no future prospect of achieving effective integration and efficient sharing of the valuable geoscience data that is contained within CGMW maps. Additionally, it is apparent that significant time and effort is being expended (and thus duplicated) by CGMW map compilers in establishing their own specifications.

Following the identification of the various components and features that appear on CGMW maps DIMAS has also collated and developed a number of preliminary specifications for these. Additionally DIMAS has developed an ISO compliant system for entering, storing and retrieving CGMW map metadata. DIMAS now wishes to receive feedback from those involved in the production of CGMW maps, GIS and databases and recommends that CGMW circulate this paper to all relevant stakeholders. These preliminary lists of components and features, together with specifications are intended to provide a basis for discussion and progress – they are not being proposed as the final “standards”. Nonetheless, after a reasonable process of consultation, review and revision, we recommend that CGMW establishes and endorses the final specifications for all maps, GIS and databases produced under its auspices.