News Release, Kansas Geological Survey, Aug. 23, 2016
LAWRENCE--A new geologic map of Morris County published by the Kansas Geological Survey received two awards in July at the world's largest conference dedicated to geographic information system (GIS) technology.
GIS is a system in which all types of geographic information is collected, interpreted, managed and displayed using specialized computer software. GIS data is used regularly in cartography, or map making. For example, the Morris County map displays newly acquired geologic data as well as data from several other sources, including surface elevations, contour lines, and the location and dimension of creeks, lakes, towns, roads, airports, and quarries.
KGS Cartographic Services Manager John Dunham provided the computer compilation and cartographic work on the Morris County map. Former KGS student employees Richard Jarvis and Zane Price assisted in digital data compilation and map layout. The geology was mapped by KGS geologist Robert Sawin and Kansas State University professor emeritus Ronald West.
The map was awarded second place in the Large Format Printed Map category. It was also one of two maps selected to receive the Excellence in Cartography award by a panel of judges from two mapping organizations--the International Cartographic Association (ICA) and the International Map Industry Association (IMIA).
In their appraisal of the Morris County map, the ICA and IMIA judges commended the strong use of color, excellent composition, rich detail, and inclusion of a geologic cross section diagram. The cross section illustrates a vertical section of the subsurface rock layers based on the mapping geologist's interpretation of the available geologic data.
About 15,000 professionals from various industries attended the Esri International User Conference in San Diego sponsored by Esri (Environmental Systems Research Institute), a private company that produces GIS software, and GIS-related web applications and data.
The Morris County map is now available from the Kansas Geological Survey.