U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Data Layer: DIGITAL RASTER GRAPHIC


You are invited to read the definitions of terms used in this data standard.

Name
Digital Raster Graphic (DRG)
Description
Digital maps created by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). These are scanned, georeferenced copies of the USGS topographic maps. They are available in the standard topographic map scales and are in a GeoTIFF format.
Source
USGS EROS Data Center - DRGs are listed under Map products.
USGS Geospatial Data - DRGs Available Online
Historical Data Earlier versions of the data standard are available here:  Digital Raster Graphic
Reference(s)

Part 270, FW 6, Data Management and Standards, dated September 30, 2002.

Digital Raster Graphics (DRG) - product description, prices, sample data, search and order DRG data.

DRG Program Overview - history, description, georeferencing information, updates and product maintenance, and DRGs from non-USGS sources.

DRG Fact Sheet - General information on DRGs; very readable.

Use Instructions
The USGS DRGs are automated to strict standards. They are used frequently as a locational backdrop, but also as a source for on-screen digitizing and updating existing files. Any DRGs used by Service personnel should either be obtained from the USGS or, at a minimum, have been scanned to meet USGS standards. Tools for utilizing these data, converting the data to formats used by different GIS systems, and evaluating the accuracy of DRGs created by offices other than the USGS are listed below.

The DRG files obtained from the USGS, rather than a re-seller, are generally in the UTM coordinate system.

Tools
The USGS DRGs can be viewed with a variety of commercial software packages, as well as with a free USGS viewer, at http://statgraph.cr.usgs.gov/viewer.htm

Other DRG Tools

Phase
Adopted
Approval Date
March 21, 2000
Validation Date
January 25, 2005
Data Steward
Deb Southworth Green, National FWS GIS Coordinator, Branch of Data and System Services, Division of Information Resources and Technology Management

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These pages are maintained by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Information Resources and Technology Management. Please feel free to contact Deb Southworth Green with any questions and comments.

Keywords=fish, wildlife, animals, birds, data, standards, layers, DRG, digital, raster, graphic
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