106 STAT. 168 PUBLIC LAW 102-285—MAY 18, 1992 (iv) the degree to which geologic mapping activities traditionally funded by the Survey, including the use of conmiercially available aerial photography, geodesy, professional land surveying, photogrammetric mapping, cartography, photographic processing, and related services, can be contracted to professional private mapping firms. (2) In addition to paragraph (1), the Secreta^, acting through the Director, shall he responsible for developing, as soon as practicable— (A) in cooperation with the State geological surveys, other Federal and State agencies, public and private sector organizations and academia, the geologic-map data base; and (B) maps and mapping techniques which achieve the objectives specified in subsection (c). (c) PROGRAM OBJECTIVES. —The objectives of the geologic mapping program shall include— (1) determining the Nation's geologic framework through systematic development of geologic maps at scales appropriate to the geologic setting and the perceived apphcations, such maps to be contributed to the national geologic map data base; (2) development of a complementary national geophysicalmap data base, geochemical-map data base, and a geochronologic and paleontologic data base that provide valueadded descriptive and interpretive information to the geologicmap data base; (3) application of cost-effective mapping techniques that assemble, produce, translate and disseminate geologic-map information and that render such information of greater application and benefit to the public; and (4) development of public awareness for the role and application of geologic-map information to the resolution of national issues of land use management. (d) PROGRAM COMPONENTS.— The geologic mapping program shall include the following components: (1) A Federal geologic mapping component, whose objective shall be determining the geologic framework of areas determined to be vital to the economic, social, or scientific welfare of the Nation. Mapping priorities shall be based on— (A) national requirements for geologic-map information in areas of multiple-issue need or areas of compelling single-issue need; and (B) national requirements for geologic-map information in areas where mapping is required to solve critical earthscience problems. (2) A geologic mapping support component, whose objective shall be providing interdisciplinary support for the Federal Geologic Mapping Component. Representative categories of interdisciplinary support shall include— (A) establishment of a national geologic-map data base, •r established pursuant to section 7; (B) studies that lead to the implementation of cost-effective digital methods for the acquisition, compilation, analysis, cartographic production, and dissemination of geologic-map information; (C) paleontologic investigations that provide information critical to miderstanding the age and depositional environment of fossil-bearing geologic-map units, which investiga-
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