Computer-produced contour maps with postings of data points and optional perspective views for surface representation are widely recognized as valuable tools in oil exploration, seismic studies, ground-water modeling, and other geologic applications. Few, in any, of the myriad contouring packages are designed to provide an accurate background of cartographic information to help the scientist, engineer, or politician relate contoured information to the real world of political boundaries, highways, and river beds. Additionally, there is much information of interest (e.g., geologic contacts) which cannot be contoured, but which must be treated as pure cartographic information. The GIMMAP (Geodata Interactive Management Map Analysis and Production) system, developed jointly b the Kansas Geological Survey and the Bureau de Recherches Geologiques et Minieres (France), is being used to produce such background maps as well as traditional multi-color geologic maps. The U.S. Geological Survey 7.5-minute topographic series is used as the primary input source for construction of a cartographic data base consisting of political boundaries, surface hydrology, the transportation network, and U.S. Land Survey information (township-range-section). Additional features may be digitized or projected from latitude-longitude coordinates as required for special projects. GIMMAP employs interactive techniques to assist graphical editing of linework; relative definition, editing, and coloring of areal features; placement and editing of symbology; and versatile, user-specified re rieval for producing plots or high-quality scribes for color separation. The modular FORTRAN package relies on physical and logical data segmentation and extensive use of random-access files to operate on a (64 K byte) minicomputer.

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