U.S. Geological Survey Identifier
National Spatial Data Infrastructure

USGS Geospatial Data Clearinghouse
National Mapping and Remotely Sensed Data


Digital Raster Graphic (DRG) - Prepackaged CDs

A Digital Raster Graphic (DRG) is a scanned image of a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) standard series topographic map, including all map collar information. This is a data-set level implementation of the Federal Geographic Data Committee's Content Standards for Digital Geospatial Metadata.

Information about prepackaged CD DRG records can be obtained from the EROS Data Center.


Table of Contents


Identification Information

Identification_Information:
  Citation:
    Citation_Information:
      Originator:
        U.S. Geological Survey
        EROS Data Center
      Publication_Date: 1996
      Title: Digital Raster Graphics (DRGs)
      Edition: 1.0
      Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: map
      Series_Information:
        Series_Name: USGS Digital Raster Graphics
        Issue_Identification:
          Digital Raster Graphics (DRGs) are scanned color images of USGS
          topographic maps.
      Publication_Information:
        Publication_Place: Sioux Falls
        Publisher:
          U.S. Geological Survey
          EROS Data Center
      Other_Citation_Details:
        Earth Science Information Centers (ESIC) offer nationwide information
        and sales service for USGS map products and earth science publications.
        For additional information, contact any USGS Earth Science Information
        Center (ESIC), or call 1-888-ASK-USGS.
      Online_Linkage: http://edc.usgs.gov/
  Description:
    Abstract:
      A digital raster graphic (DRG) is a scanned image of a U.S. Geological
      Survey (USGS) topographic map. The scanned image includes all map
      collar information. The image inside the map neatline is georeferenced
      to the surface of the Earth. The DRG can be used to collect, review,
      and revise other digital data, especially digital line graphs (DLG).
      When the DRG is combined with other digital products, such as digital
      orthophoto quadrangles (DOQ) or digital elevation models (DEM), the
      resulting image provides additional visual information for the extract-
      ion and revision of base cartographic information. The USGS is producing
      DRG's of the 1:24,000-,1:24,000/1:25,000-, 1:63,360- (Alaska), 1:100,000-,
      and 1:250,000-scale topographic map series.


    Purpose:
      The DRG is used for validating digital line graphs (DLG's) and for
      DLG data collection and revision. The DRG can help assess the
      completeness of digital data from other mapping agencies. It can also
      be used to produce "hybrid" products. These include combined DRG's
      and DOQ's for revising and collecting digital data, DRG's and
      DEM's for creating shaded-relief DRG's, and combinations of DRG, DOQ,
      and DLG data. Although a standard DRG is an effective mapping tool,
      its full potential for digital production is realized in combination
      with other digital data
    Supplemental_Information:
      Digital raster graphic (DRG) data on CD-ROM are being produced
      by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) through an Innovative Partnership
      agreement with The Land Information Technology Company, Ltd., of
      Aurora, CO. This series includes DRG's of USGS standard series
      quadrangle maps of the United States, its Trusts, and Territories.

  Time_Period_of_Content:
    Time_Period_Information:
      Range_of_Dates/Times:
        Beginning_Date: 1996
        Ending_Date: Present
    Currentness_Reference: ground condition
  Status:
    Progress: In work
    Maintenance_and_Update_Frequency: As needed
  Spatial_Domain:
    Bounding_Coordinates:
      West_Bounding_Coordinate: -124.7333
      East_Bounding_Coordinate: -067.9500
      North_Bounding_Coordinate: 49.3833
      South_Bounding_Coordinate: 24.5333
  Keywords:
    Theme:
      Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: None
      Theme_Keyword: digital elevation model
      Theme_Keyword: DEM
      Theme_Keyword: digital terrain model
      Theme_Keyword: contour line
      Theme_Keyword: digital contours
      Theme_Keyword: DOQ
      Theme_Keyword: digital orthophoto
      Theme_Keyword: digital orthophotoquad
      Theme_Keyword: digital image map
      Theme_Keyword: aerial photograph
      Theme_Keyword: paper map
      Theme_Keyword: map
      Theme_Keyword: digital line graph
      Theme_Keyword: U.S. Public Land Survey System
      Theme_Keyword: hydrography
      Theme_Keyword: transportation
      Theme_Keyword: hydrography
      Theme_Keyword: topographic
      Theme_Keyword: Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM)
      Theme_Keyword: scanner
      Theme_Keyword: raster
      Theme_Keyword: digital image
    Place:
      Place_Keyword_Thesaurus:
        U.S. Department of Commerce, 1977, Countries,  dependencies, areas of
        special sovereignty, and their principal administrative divisions
        (Federal Information Processing Standard 10-3):Washington, D.C.,
        National Institute of Standards and Technology.
      Place_Keyword: US
      Place_Keyword: United States
      Place_Keyword: FIPS codes for states covered
      Place_Keyword: Puerto Rico
    Temporal:
      Temporal_Keyword_Thesaurus: None
      Temporal_Keyword: true ground conditions
  Access_Constraints: None
  Use_Constraints:
    Acknowledgement of the U.S. Geological Survey would be appreciated
    n products derived from these data.
  Point_of_Contact:
    Contact_Information:
      Contact_Organization_Primary:
        Contact_Organization:
          U.S. Geological Survey
          EROS Data Center
      Contact_Position: Customer Services Representative
      Contact_Address:
        Address_Type: mailing and physical address
        Address:
          U.S. Geological Survey
          EROS Data Center
        City: Sioux Falls
        State_or_Province: SD
        Postal_Code: 57198-0001
        Country: USA
      Contact_Voice_Telephone: (605) 594-6151
      Contact_TDD/TTY_Telephone: (605) 594-6933
      Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: (605) 594-6589
      Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: custserv@edcmail.cr.usgs.gov
      Hours_of_Service: 0730 - 1615 CST
      Contact_Instructions: URL:  http://edc.usgs.gov/eros-home.html
  Browse_Graphic:
    Browse_Graphic_File_Name: Digital Raster Graphic
    Browse_Graphic_File_Description: Dover, Delaware
    Browse_Graphic_File_Type: JPEG
  Security_Information:
    Security_Classification_System: None
    Security_Classification: Unclassified
    Security_Handling_Description: None
  Native_Data_Set_Environment: Unix

Data Quality Information

Data_Quality_Information:
  Attribute_Accuracy:
    Attribute_Accuracy_Report:
      The DRG uses a standard palette to ensure uniform color
      throughout a particular map series. The RGB values for a particular
      color, therefore, will remain consistent throughout that DRG series.
      Although the color values of the DRG may sometimes match those
      of the paper source map, a user will usually notice small differences
      between the colors on the digital image and on the paper map. Also,
      the quality of the user's monitor affects the DRG color displayed.
      Although the DRG generally contains the complete content of the
      source map, features may occasionally be blurred because of
      substandard source materials. The DRG also may contain
      misclassified pixels (color noise).

      The DRG is an 8-bit color image that employs a color palette to ensure
      uniform colors throughout a particular DRG series.  All DRG's within
      a series must have the same RGB value.
    Quantitative_Attribute_Accuracy_Assessment:
      Attribute_Accuracy_Value: 00
      Attribute_Accuracy_Explanation:
        DRG's are examined to ensure color consistency within a series.
        Inspections are performed on selected DRG's to ensure that both the
        order of digital numbers (see table 2-2) and digital number values
        are correct.  Colors will be checked for color compliance to map
        series and for major color differences between features on the DRG
        and similar features on the source map.  Color consistency
        throughout each series is checked by comparing a DRG to its
        neighboring quadrangles whenever possible.
  Logical_Consistency_Report:
    The USGS DRG is produced with the intention of replicating as close
    as possible the original source map.  Users of the DRG will note,
    however, that a certain amount of "noise" can be discerned when
    small areas are blown up or viewed under zoomed-in conditions.  This
    noise is in the form of random specks or pixels of color and halos
    due to any number of factors, such as, the quality of the source,
    the use of screens and patterns on the litho,  and the unevenness of
    ink due to saturation and absorption.   Discontinuities or breaks in
    linear features may also be present and are due to improper
    calibration or usage of the scanner, the condition of the source,
    and  resampling.  Descreening, quantizing, and noise filtering are
    methods used to reduce noise, which, besides creating a more
    aesthetically pleasing image, have the added benefit of reducing the
    size of the image file.  Removal of lithographic screen patterns is
    preferred but not required.
  Completeness_Report:
    Image completeness is checked by visually inspecting a sampling of
    DRG's.  Each selected DRG will be examined for gaps (missing data)
    in the main body of the map, the map collar, the overedge areas, and
    any insets
  Positional_Accuracy:
    Horizontal_Positional_Accuracy:
      Horizontal_Positional_Accuracy_Report:
        A random sampling of DRG's will be accuracy tested.  The accuracy
        test will be performed by comparing the positions of UTM grid
        intersections on the source graphic against the corresponding
        location on the digital image.  A visual inspection will determine
        whether those coordinates fall within the pixels that define a grid
        tick.  DRG's duplicate the horizontal accuracy of its source.
      Quantitative_Horizontal_Positional_Accuracy_Assessment:
        Horizontal_Positional_Accuracy_Value: 0
        Horizontal_Positional_Accuracy_Explanation:
          DRG's will retain the horizontal accuracy of the source maps.   Most
          USGS printed maps contain the National Map Accuracy Standards (NMAS)
          note in the collar area.  The NMAS states that for maps on
          publication scales of 1:20,000 or smaller, not more than 10 percent
          of the points tested shall be in error by more than 1/50 inch
          measured on the publication scale.  Test points must be "well-defined",
          that is, easily visible or recoverable on the ground.  For
          DRG's this accuracy statement applies only to that area of the DRG
          that falls within the neatline of the source map (excluding inset
          areas).  Overedge areas falling outside the transformation boundary
          area (the map neatline), can exhibit anomalies or discrepancies.
          These anomalies also will appear in the map inset areas and in the
          map collar.  For maps without the NMAS note, the horizontal accuracy
          is unknown.  However, the DRG will retain the accuracy of the source
          map.
    Vertical_Positional_Accuracy:
      Vertical_Positional_Accuracy_Report:
        In the DRG the vertical positional accuracy is referenced in the DRG
        collar.
  Lineage:
    Source_Information:
      Source_Citation:
        Citation_Information:
          Originator:  U.S. Geological Survey
          Publication_Date: 0000
          Title: USGS Topographic maps
          Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: map
          Other_Citation_Details:
            The source for DRG's are the standard quadrangle format USGS
            topographic maps as described in the Federal Geographic Data
            Committee "Manual of Federal Geographic Data Products."  They
            include 1:20,000-, 1:24,000-, 1:25,000-, 1:30,000-, 1:63,360-,
            1:100,000- and 1:250,000-scale topographic maps.  Included in the
            1:24,000- and 1:25,000-scale series are provisional (P) maps and
            color orthophotomaps.

      Type_of_Source_Media: paper
      Source_Time_Period_of_Content:
        Time_Period_Information:
          Range_of_Dates/Times:
            Beginning_Date: 0000
            Ending_Date: present
        Source_Currentness_Reference: ground condition
      Source_Citation_Abbreviation: USGS Topo
      Source_Contribution:
        The standard area of coverage of a DRG is the entire area printed
        on a USGS standard series topographic map including the map collar,
        any overedge areas, and insets.  These standard series maps include:

        7.5-minute map series: Conterminous United States, Hawaii, and
        limited areas of Alaska at 1:24,000 and 1:25,000 scale.

        7.5- by 15-minute map series:  Covers limited areas of the
        conterminous United States at 1:25,000 scale.

        30- by 60-minute map series: Conterminous United States
    Process_Step:
      Process_Description:
        Production of a DRG begins with the scanning of a paper 7.5-minute
        topographic map (map1) on a high-resolution scanner.  Scanning
        resolutions range from 500-1,000 dpi with an output file of
        160-300 Mb in size.  Removal of screens (descreening) and color
        quantization to reduce the number of colors also takes place during
        the scanning phase.

        The raw scan file is then transformed and georeferenced using UTM
        coordinates of the sixteen 2.5-minute grid ticks, which are obtained
        using the in-house produced program COORDAT and stored in a ground
        control file.  Those sixteen 2.5-minute ticks are interactively
        visited and assigned their respective UTM coordinates. The USGS
        program XSHAPES4 then performs a piecewise linear rubber sheet
        transformation.

        An output resolution of 2.4 meters (8.2 feet) is chosen to resample
        the file to 250 dpi.  The image file is converted to a TIFF 6.0
        image and further reduced by converting the file to a run length
        encoded PackBits compression (type 32773).

        The color palette of the compressed DRG is then standardized by
        replacing the original RGB values assigned during the scanning
        process with standard RGB value combinations using the in-house
        produced TIFFREMAP program.
      Source_Used_Citation_Abbreviation: map1
      Process_Date: 0000 
      Process_Contact:
        Contact_Information:
          Contact_Organization_Primary:
            Contact_Organization:
              Rolla-ESIC
              U.S. Geological Survey
          Contact_Position: Customer Services Representative
          Contact_Address:
            Address_Type: mailing and physical address
            Address: 1400 Independence Rd., MS231
            City: Rolla
            State_or_Province: MO
            Postal_Code: 65401-2602
            Country: USA
          Contact_Voice_Telephone: 573-308-3577
          Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: 573-308-3652
          Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: esic@mcmcmail.er.usgs.gov
          Contact_Instructions: URL: http://mcmcweb.er.usgs.gov/drg/

Spatial Data Organization Information

Spatial_Data_Organization_Information:
  Direct_Spatial_Reference_Method: Raster
  Raster_Object_Information:
    Raster_Object_Type: Pixel

Entity and Attribute Information

Entity_and_Attribute_Information:
  Overview_Description:
    Entity_and_Attribute_Overview:
      Each raster entity or pixel contains a digital number from 0 through 12
      referencing a color palette of RGB values from 0 through 255 in which
      the standard colors used in the DRG are defined.
    Entity_and_Attribute_Detail_Citation: Standards for Digital  Raster Graphic.

Distribution Information

Distribution_Information:
  Distributor:
    Contact_Information:
      Contact_Organization_Primary:
        Contact_Organization:
          U.S. Geological Survey
          EROS Data Center
        Contact_Person: Customer Services
      Contact_Position: Customer Services Representative
      Contact_Address:
        Address_Type: mailing and physical address
        Address:
          Customer Services
          U.S. Geological Survey
          EROS Data Center
        City: Sioux Falls
        State_or_Province: SD
        Postal_Code: 57198
        Country: USA
      Contact_Voice_Telephone: 605-594-6151
      Contact_TDD/TTY_Telephone: 605-594-6933
      Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: 605-594-6589
      Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: custserv@edcmail.cr.usgs.gov
      Hours_of_Service: 7:30 am to 4:00 pm CT
      Contact_Instructions:
        Automated Ordering. Your order is forwarded to Customer Services at the U.S.
        Geological Survey's EROS Data Center. A Customer Services Representative
        contacts you to discuss your order and your mode of payment.

        Manual Ordering. Write down the ordering ID(s) for your item(s). Contact
        Customer Services between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. CST.
  Resource_Description: DRG CD-R
  Distribution_Liability:
    Although these data have been processed successfully on a computer system
    at the USGS, no warranty expressed or implied is made by the USGS
    regarding the use of the data on any other system, nor does the act of
    distribution constitute any such warranty. The USGS will warrant the
    delivery of this product in computer-readable format and will offer
    appropriate adjustment of credit when the product is determined unreadable
    by correctly adjusted computer input peripherals, or when the physical
    medium is delivered in damaged condition.  Requests for adjustment of
    credit must be made within 90 days from the date of this shipment from
    the ordering site.
  Standard_Order_Process:
    Digital_Form:
      Digital_Transfer_Information:
        Format_Name: Tagged Image File Format (TIFF)
        Format_Version_Number: version 6.0
        Format_Specification:
          Download WinCATS USGS DRG and DLG-O & DRG viewing software available
          from USGS.
        Format_Information_Content:
          To facilitate file manipulation by the widest possible range of
          potential users, data and text files on the CD-ROM conform to the
          DOS "eight plus three" (8.3) file naming convention.

          The associated DRG image (.TIF), world (.TFW), and metadata
          (.FGD) files incorporate an intelligent data set name (DSN)
          consisting of descriptive metadata wrapped around a standardized
          kernel that describes the spatial location of the file.  The
          intent of this file naming protocol is to positively identify the
          spatial identity of the file and describe its categoric
          identity.

          The DSN is designed to geographically locate DRG's of quadrangles
          using the 7.5-minute grid, clearly identifying those that fall
          exactly on the grid.  DRG's that are not aligned with the
          7.5-minute grid can be named with this convention but additional
          consideration is required to relate these undersize, oversize, or
          offset quadrangles to their most logical and unique 7.5-minute
          grid location.
        File_Decompression_Technique: PackBits
        Transfer_Size: 5 to 15 megabytes.
      Digital_Transfer_Option:
        Offline_Option:
          Offline_Media: CD-ROM
          Recording_Capacity:
            Recording_Density: 650
            Recording_Density_Units: megabytes
          Recording_Format: ISO 9660
          Compatibility_Information: None
    Fees:
      The current costs are available at:

      URL:  http://edc.usgs.gov/glis/hyper/order_info/prices#DRG_CD
 
      DRG File size may necessitate distribution on multiple CD-ROMs
    Ordering_Instructions:
      Dataset searching and ordering capabilities are available through the
      Global Land Information System (GLIS) at:

      URL: http://edc.usgs.gov/webglis

    Turnaround: ASAP
  Technical_Prerequisites: Adobe Acrobat Reader 2., CD-ROM drive
  Available_Time_Period:
    Time_Period_Information:
      Single_Date/Time:
        Calendar_Date: 1997

Metadata Reference Information

Metadata_Reference_Information:
  Metadata_Date: 19970904
  Metadata_Review_Date: 19970904
  Metadata_Future_Review_Date: 19971230
  Metadata_Contact:
    Contact_Information:
      Contact_Organization_Primary:
        Contact_Organization:
          U.S. Geological Survey
          EROS Data Center
      Contact_Position: Customer Services Representative
      Contact_Address:
        Address_Type: mailing and physical address
        Address:
          Customer Services
          U.S. Geological Survey
          EROS Data Center
        City: Sioux Falls
        State_or_Province:  SD
        Postal_Code: 57198-0001
        Country: USA
      Contact_Voice_Telephone: (605) 594-6151
      Contact_TDD/TTY_Telephone: (605) 594-6933
      Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: (605) 594-658
      Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: custserv@edcmail.cr.usgs.gov
      Hours_of_Service: 0700 - 1615 CST
  Metadata_Standard_Name: Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata
  Metadata_Standard_Version: June 8, 1994
  Metadata_Time_Convention: local time
  Metadata_Access_Constraints: None
  Metadata_Use_Constraints: None
  Metadata_Security_Information:
    Metadata_Security_Classification_System: None
    Metadata_Security_Classification:  Unclassified
    Metadata_Security_Handling_Description: None

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Last modified: 6 April 1998