Assignment:  Web-based Information Resources

 

Submitted by:  Jenny Dyste, Ryan Paulhamus, Daniel Underwood

 

Date:  April 14, 2000.

 

 

 

Recommended Site #1:  “Maps Big and Small.”

 

http://edcwww.cr.usgs.gov/Webglis/glisbin/search.pl?MAPS_LARGE

 

Site Overview.  This is a source for detailed topographical mapping, scales ranging from 7.5 minutes to 1:250,000.  Other maps series – county, state, National Parks – as well as relief and Antarctic maps, can also be located and purchased.   Digital cartographic maps and air photographs are also available.

 

Site Resources.  A user-friendly geographical locator is available.  From minimal information, it is possible locate on the public land survey general and particular locations anywhere in the United States.  The locator displays the desired area.  “Zoom” and “pan” options make it possible to find that place for which you want to obtain topographical maps, aerial photographs, and, in the future, Landsat imagery.  Precise location bearings for that area are provided which can be useful for other related survey work.

 

Using the Site.  One can find the geographic area of interest in one of two ways.  First, the coordinates that define the area can be specified.  Of course, many people will not know those coordinates.  The second way to use “familiar place data:” state, township, zip code.  General location parameters specified, next select the type of map and scale desired.  A location grid is displayed.  Click the box containing the area of interest, and select the zoom desired.  At each step, location bearings are provided.  Maps can then be ordered by the “click of a mouse.”

 

Recommended Site #2:  Public Land Survey Tutorial

 

http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/forestry/Private/PLSSTut/legaldesc.htm

 

Site Overview. This site is through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.  The site provides a comprehensive, yet concise presentation on basic elements of the Public Land Survey System.  Pertinent diagrams and illustrations accompany the text as you are prompted throughout the tutorial.

 

Site Resources. This site is perfect for the individual looking for a general presentation of the survey methods used to divide land parcels into townships, sections, and ranges.  The explanations provided for location descriptions is easy to understand, color-coded for the beginner, and allows the user to continue his or her search in a more focused manner.

 

Using the Site.  The user can navigate this site with ease through prompts at the bottom of the page.