KGS to receive more than $168,000 from USGS to preserve and digitize historic maps

The Kentucky Geological Survey (KGS) has been awarded $168,584 from the U.S. Geological Survey’s National Geological and Geophysical Data Preservation Program (NGGDPP) to preserve and improve access to its historic geologic maps. The one-year project began on August 1. 

Led by principal investigator Cheyenne Hohman, the project will modernize KGS's historical map collection by creating high-quality digital scans of paper maps, remediating existing digital files that do not meet current technical standards, and preserving the original paper maps for long-term archival storage. 

The project will include the purchase of large-format scanning equipment capable of producing high-resolution digital images and enabling data extraction and text recognition from paper maps. Once scanned, the maps will be digitized and published online, making them more accessible to researchers, industry professionals, educators, and the public. Original paper maps will be cataloged, labeled, and archived to ensure long-term preservation.  

"This project funding represents an opportunity we couldn't pass up. The current map collection contains maps that are often fragile, faded, and some are torn or stained from field use,” said Hohman. “They are also susceptible to further degradation as they age, so we are hoping to prevent further damage.” 

In addition, maps containing information related to Kentucky’s critical minerals and energy resources will be georeferenced, allowing them to be accurately positioned in relation to real-world locations such as roads, and integrated with modern mapping tools. The resulting data will be made available through the KGS Geologic and Mineral Map services and the U.S. Geological Survey's ReSciColl catalog, expanding access to valuable geologic information for future research and resource management. 

Including Hohman, the project team will consist of (1) Emily Morris, KGS cartographer, (2) Doug Curl, KGS Director of Information Management, (3) Elizabeth Adams, KGS Director of Engagement, (4) Paul Puckett, KGS GIS technician, and (5) a to-be-hired student employee. 

This project will significantly expand the number of historical maps available through the KGS Interactive Map Service, providing users with improved access to centuries of geological and resources mapping while ensuring these important records are preserved for generations to come. By combining modern digitization techniques with archival preservation, the project creates a lasting stewardship legacy for Kentucky's geologic history. 

“Some [maps] we only have a single copy of, so scanning will allow KGS to digitize and harvest data from these rare maps,” said Hohman. “Scanning will also give us digital versions that can be printed as reproductions of these rare and valuable information resources without further damage to the original documents. This will enhance our digital map collection significantly and make the collection available to KGS staff researchers, students, scientists, and industry personnel." 

The NGGDPP supports projects that preserve and provide access to geological and geophysical data collections across the United States. These data are critical for scientific research, natural resource management, hazard assessment, and informed decision-making. 

For more information about the Kentucky Geological Survey and its physical and data resources, visit https://kygs.uky.edu/.