Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Chesapeake Watershed CESU | Apply Online

Opportunity Summary:

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), through its National Geospatial Program Office, released a Cooperative Agreement funding opportunity for a single partner within the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) Program, specifically the Chesapeake Watershed CESU. The project focuses on research that improves how USGS topographic map symbols are designed and displayed when placed over a digital image (aerial photograph) background. In practical terms, the work is meant to strengthen the cartographic design of the US Topo map series so that features remain easy to see and understand even when the base layer is detailed imagery rather than a simple, flat background.

The opportunity is rooted in the modernization of USGS mapping. US Topo is described as an evolution of the classic USGS paper topographic maps and a graphic synthesis of The National Map data. These maps keep the familiar 7.5-minute by 7.5-minute quadrangle format and are distributed as georeferenced digital products with manageable file sizes, a common format, and embedded tools and layers. At the time of the announcement, US Topo products generally included an aerial imagery base with key reference layers such as roads, geographic names, contours, and hydrographic features. The longer-term direction is to expand content to include more transportation detail, boundaries, structures, and vegetation or land cover. Because US Topo is positioned as a consistent, nationwide large-detail map series, even relatively small design improvements can have broad impact across the United States.

The main purpose of the agreement is to research, evaluate, and document cartographic design and geographic information science considerations that either validate the current US Topo look or support well-justified recommendations for change. The emphasis is on the 1:24,000-scale US Topo design, with the expectation that the recipient will produce clear written recommendations and, where helpful, map-based examples or prototypes that demonstrate the proposed symbology and layout decisions. A central challenge highlighted in the announcement is symbol legibility on top of imagery. The research is expected to address how symbols perform over full-color backgrounds (for example, green forest, yellow desert, and other natural tones) and also over black-and-white imagery, where contrast and visual hierarchy can shift in different ways.

The specific research objectives call for a careful review of current US Topo cartographic design and recommendations to make terrain and features more understandable to non-expert map readers. The scope explicitly includes design principles and feature symbology for major map themes at 1:24,000, including transportation, hydrography, hypsography (contours and shaded relief), geographic names, political boundaries, vegetation, and grid systems such as Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) and/or the national grid. The project also needs to consider how the final map design performs across different viewing and output environments, including computer monitors, handheld devices, and printed products created via inkjet printers or lithographic presses. Another key research angle is whether different use cases justify multiple symbol schemes, such as alternative styles optimized for specific layer combinations, user tasks, or display contexts.

On the production side, the announcement signals that deliverables should be actionable for real-world map creation. That includes producing symbol specifications suitable for cartographic production using industry-standard GIS and cartographic software of the time, with Arc/Info GIS mentioned as an example. In other words, the work is not just conceptual design critique; it is meant to translate into implementable symbol rules, styling guidance, and recommendations that USGS can incorporate into ongoing US Topo map production workflows.

Administratively, this was a discretionary science and technology/research and development opportunity issued by the USGS under CFDA 15.808 (U.S. Geological Survey Research and Data Collection). Only one award was expected, with an estimated total funding amount of $34,000. The funding instrument type was a Cooperative Agreement, and there was no cost sharing or matching requirement. Eligibility was limited to partners of the Chesapeake Watershed CESU Program, and applicants needed demonstrated expertise in cartographic design, particularly for large-scale topographic maps. The opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number 10HQPA0074) was posted June 9, 2010, with a closing date of June 21, 2010, and it was archived July 21, 2010. The listed contact for access or announcement issues was Faith Graves, Contract Specialist, at 703-648-7356.

Browse more opportunities from the same agency: Geological Survey

Browse more opportunities from the same category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development

Next opportunity: U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Funding Opportunity Announcement, Scholarship and Fellowship Education Grant, Fiscal Year 2011

Previous opportunity: University Research Program

USGrants.org Applicant Portal:

Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.

Apply for 10HQPA0074

 

[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?

Applicants also applied for:

Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (10HQPA0074) also looked into and applied for these:

 

Grant application guides and resources

It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!

Apply for Grants

 

 

Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers

Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.

If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.

Subscribe to Leads

 

Request more information:

Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "10HQPA0074", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:

Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.