National Cartographic Information Center (Continued) 
Additional Information: 
Maps of areas east of the Mississippi River, 
including Minnesota, Puerto Rico, the Virgin 
Islands, and Antarctica can be ordered at: 
Eastern Distribution Branch 
US Geological Survey 
1200 South East Street 
Arlington, VA 22202 
Maps of areas west of the Mississippi River 
including Alaska, Hawaii, Louisiana, American 
Samoa, and Guam can be ordered at 
Western Distribution Branch 
US Geological Survey 
Box 25286 Federal Center 
Denver, CO 80225 
An index map of each state or states may be 
obtained free of charge at the above addresses. 
The NCIC, established by the USGS in 1974, 
provides a national information service to make 
cartographic data of the United States more 
easily accessible to the public and to various 
Federal, state, and local agencies. At present, 
more than 30 Federal agencies collect and pre- 
pare cartographic data. These data include more 
than 1.5 million maps and charts, 25 million 
aerial and space photographs, records on 
1.5 million geodetic control points, and a 
growing collection of map data in computer- 
compatible form. 
NCIC uses the latest techniques of micro- 
photography and computer technology to manage 
the vast amount of information and to provide a 
focal point for information on data produced and 
distributed by many Federal sources. NCIC also 
provides information on some Federal plans for 
future data collection. 
NCIC does not obtain the cartographic data 
from present holders; rather it collects and 
organizes descriptive information about the 
data, tells where they are located, ensures 
their availability, and provides ordering assis-— 
tance. Government and private data centers con- 
tinue to hold and distribute cartographic data. 
Some of these centers also provide local users 
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