Major changes are proposed for government map quality and coverage.

The US Geological Survey is considering a policy change that could erode the quality and utility of future topographic map products. It involves abandoning a number of vital map features such as topographic contour lines. Map users should be consulted before such a decision is made.

Following is a summary of concerns that have been forwarded to Dr. Gordon Eaton, Director of the United States Geological Survey (USGS), by State Geologists, government officials, and others.

The USGS topographic mapping program drew national attention in 1956 when it was announced that Kent