New York State Division of Science and State Museum Geologic Maps and Drawings

Portions in chronological order.

This series consists of working, proof, and final published copies of geologic maps and drawings prepared by the Geological Survey staff in the State Museum. An estimated 500 of these items are maps. Most maps and drawings were prepared to accompany scientific articles or monographs published as State Museum bulletins, as part of the Museum's responsibilities to conduct research on the geological and natural history of the State.

Most maps depict surface geological features in color on standard printed topographic base maps. Maps are usually identified by title, date, bulletin number, plate number, and preparer (including various attributions to geologist, geographer, topographer and triangulation information). They include a color legend of geological features (such as rock outcrops, alluvial plains, etc.). On working copies the geologic features are drawn by hand and map identifiers are typed labels, and the maps are often pasted onto cloth. For many maps there are one or more proof copies, often with corrections and notations drawn in by hand. Other drawings are geologic cross sections showing presumed geologic features below the ground surface. Also included are a few topographic maps and unidentified drawings, possibly of crystal structures.

The geographic areas covered by these maps range from single U.S. Geological Survey quadrangles to the entire state. They are done to a standard scale of one to 62,500 with a contour interval of 20 feet (datum at mean sea level). Ruled scales are present for both miles and kilometers. Dimensions range from 20 x 29 cm or larger with a standard size of approximately 91 x 67 cm.

There are also some rolled maps, profiles, and tracings of many sizes. Their various scales, dates, and legend schemes reflect the variety of base maps used in their preparation. For example, some maps show the location of economic or mineral deposits; others contain reduction instructions.

Folder list lists individual maps or groups of maps in each folder or roll.

Records were tranferred to the Archives from the Geological Survey in 1979 as part of old collection 723, accession number 79-1A. In 1987 Archives staff removed and deaccessioned duplicate and non-New York published copies.

There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of this material.