The National Map:  Design Standards
• best available
• seamless
• most current
• GIS ready
• multi-resolution • web-accessible
•  full coverage for the US
•  complete FGDC / ISO metadata
•  public domain / open formats
•  OGC WMS compliant (interoperable services)
•  low or no cost to the user
We know that the best available data will only become accessible to us as we build partnerships with states, local, tribal, university, and private/commercial partners.  On the other hand, USGS will continue to assemble these data into the highest quality, Nationally consistent databases.