43 U.S.C. § 31f — National geologic map database

(a) Establishment: (1) In general: The Survey must build a national geologic-map database. (2) Function: This database works as a national catalog and archive. It's spread out through links to federal and state geologic map collections. It must include: all maps funded through the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program — whether through the federal, state, or education components; the databases built from the investigations described in section 31c(d)(1)(C)(ii), subclauses (III), (IV), and (V) of this title; and any other maps or data that the Survey and the Association decide belong there. (b) Standardization: (1) In general: Any geologic map added to this national archive has to follow certain standards for its format, symbols, and technical details. This makes sure that information in the archive can be accessed, exchanged, and compared efficiently and accurately. These standards must follow Executive Order 12906, which set up the National Spatial Data Infrastructure. (2) Development of standards: Whoever contributes a geologic map to the archive has to develop these standards together with the Federal Geographic Data Committee. That committee is the one in charge of setting data standards, under the rules in the Office of Management and Budget's revised Circular A-16.