Wyoming State Geological Survey Completes Major Data Modernization Effort

Wyoming State Geological Survey Completes Major Data Modernization Effort

LARAMIE, Wyo. — The Wyoming State Geological Survey (WSGS) has completed a major data modernization project involving the conversion of 30 legacy 1:100,000-scale bedrock geologic maps into the Geologic Map Schema (GeMS). GeMS is a standardized format developed by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and state surveys for the digital publication of geologic map data. This achievement is a critical step in establishing a seamless 1:100,000-scale geologic database for the state of Wyoming.

These GeMS conversions encompass half of the 1:100,000-scale geologic maps in Wyoming, covering maps originally released between 1992 and 2011 and that together represent various geologic provinces, including the Bighorn Basin, Wind River Basin, Powder River Basin, and Laramide uplifts, which are some of the state’s most studied and economically significant areas. Previously, each map was published as a standalone product with unique formatting and symbology, complicating integration and increasing the potential for misinterpretation.
GeMS defines a consistent set of database tables, field names, and coding rules that improve data sharing and interoperability across platforms and organizations. It bridges the gap between traditional cartography and modern GIS, allowing users to more easily query, visualize, and analyze geologic features.

“Standardizing these maps in a digital format significantly enhances their utility for a broad spectrum of users, from local planners and engineers to academic researchers and exploration geologists,” said Dr. Ranie Lynds, WSGS interim director and Wyoming state geologist. “This initiative facilitates improved decision-making through more accessible and high quality geologic data.”

Transitioning to the GeMS format delivers several key benefits:

• Provides geologic data in widely used GIS formats to facilitate data sharing and interpretation.
• Streamlines geologic unit terminology and symbology across disparate datasets.
• Reduces the need for manual reconciliation of map inconsistencies.
• Improves future mapping efforts by establishing consistent data structures, coding, and symbology.

This modernization effort was partially funded by the USGS National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, which fosters collaboration between federal and state agencies to advance geologic mapping nationwide. Each GeMS dataset is available as a standalone dataset in both geodatabase and shapefile formats.

To download individual map packages, please visit the WSGS website at: https://www.wsgs.wyo.gov/pubs-maps/publication-search.aspx.