The USGS is committed to meeting the Nation's needs for current base geographic data and maps.  Our vision is that, by working with partners, we will ensure that the Nation has access to current, accurate, and nationally consistent digital data and topographic maps derived from those data.  This synthesis of information, products, and capabilities, The National Map, will be a seamless, continuously maintained set of public domain geographic base information that will serve as a foundation for integrating, sharing, and using other data easily and consistently.

Read more about The National Map.

Partnerships in Alaska include:

Alaska Geographic Data Committee (AGDC)
National Hydrography Dataset (NHD)

The AGDC was organized in 1993 as a subcommittee of the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) and was formally recognized as a cooperating group of the FGDC in 1996. The purpose of the AGDC is to provide a forum for: the coordination of spatial data development projects; the development of coordinated methodologies for implementing standards and policies; and for the review and response to FGDC initiatives. The objective of the AGDC is to build geographic information partnerships. The AGDC pursues this objective through communication, investigation, and coordination. At present, there are 60 active members of the AGDC including representatives from Federal, state, local government, Native Alaskan, academia, private, and non-governmental organizations (NGO) across the State.

The AGDC has been successful in leveraging funds for digital data production in Alaska through the Department of the Interior's (DOI) High-Priority Digital Base Data Program since 1996. Production of digital raster graphics (DRG) have been completed.  Revised hydrography digital line graphs (DLG) and digital elevation models (DEM) at the 1:63,360-scale have also been completed. These georeferenced base maps can be used as a backdrop for a myriad of GIS applications.  A project to acquire digital base data layer information over portions of the North Slope of Alaska is in progress.  Work continues to complete the National Hydrography Dataset (NHD) for Alaska.  

Read more about the Alaska Geographic Data Committee.

The USGS, in conjunction with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is developing a National Hydrography Dataset (NHD) for the entire country including the State of Alaska. The NHD has been endorsed by the AGDC and will act as the data model for Alaska for the long-term use and data maintenance of hydrologic information. Completion of the 133 subbasins that encompass the NHD for Alaska is anticipated in 2005.

Read more about the National Hydrography Dataset (NHD).