National Cartographic Information Center Newsletter No. 4

Abstract

Last week, the editor of this publication was told to start signing the introduction. Something to do with credit given for work done. We look at it in the unfortunate light of accountability; our days under the bushel of anonymity are over. Speaking of accountability, it's about time we gave some recognition to the Newsletter's unknowing progenitor, John Wright, of the British Directorate of Overseas Surveys. Editorially and stylistically, the NCIC Newsletter owes him a large debt. Last month we received a suggestion from a reader that the Newsletter begin consistently listing prices for new products. In the publishing business, however, there is an infallible law of inflation prices increase as soon as they appear in print. We do try to quote exact prices where possible, and as our reader suggested, ballpark figures when we have to. In nearly all cases, additional information is available either by contacting the addresses listed in the article or indexed in the back or by calling NCIC's User Services Section. Numerous bits and pieces of information make up the bulk of this issue. Among them are the possibility of the Geological Survey issuing readable indexes to available topographic maps, the development of an NCIC classification system for U.S. cartographic data, and information on the publication of prototype topographic-bathymetric maps. Lastly, here is our quarterly solicitation for suggestions, comments, criticism, notes, and information for publication. Call it your bicentennial contribution to participatory democracy.