104 THE UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY. [bull. 227. 
Section of Topographic Maps. 
When reading proofs, the author of a map which he has prepared 
without special editorial assistance, be he surveyor or compiler, like 
the author of a text, is apt to discover that he has omitted important 
data and that his manuscript is more or less indefinite, ambiguous, 
and inaccurate. Correction of engraved plates is more difficult and 
expensive than correction of ordinary type. Moreover, a carto-i 
graphic output so large as that of the Geological Survey should exhibit 
uniformity and system as well as clearness and accuracy. For these 
reasons all topographic maps to be published by the Survey are crit- 
ically examined by the editor of topographic maps before they are 
placed in the hands of the engraver. 
At the beginning the Survey established a standard form and size 
for its atlas sheets. In a general wa} r it prescribed the information 
which the sheets should bear and the manner of its expression, but the 
topographers of the small force exercised wide discretion as to details. 
As time went on and the organization grew in size and complexity the 
necessity increased for prescribing in greater detail the classes of facts 
which the maps should portray, for greater differentiation in the sym- 
bolism, and for closer adherence to the standards thus established. At 
first such editing as the topographic maps received was given them by I 
the chiefs of the various sections of the topographic branch. Nat- 
urally there was lack of uniformity, and it was not long until the 
need of systematic editing became apparent. This resulted in 1894 in 
the appointment of an editor of topographic maps, to whom all manu- 
script atlas sheets were submitted before they were transmitted to the 
engraving division. Gradually, with more careful and systematic edit- 
ing and proof reading, this section has grown until its personnel 
includes an editor and five assistants. 
The routine at present is as follows: The topographic section chief 
transmits the manuscript topographic map, through the Director, to 
the editor of topographic maps, who becomes the custodian of such 
manuscript both before and after publication. In his office the manu- 
script receives systematic examination, after which it is returned to 
the chief of the topographic section for revision and the supply of 
further information where necessary. The editor also proofreads the 
prints from the copperplates, comparing them in detail with the manu- 
script, and transmits the final proof to the topographic branch for 
revision and approval before printing. 
In order that nothing shall be overlooked in the editing of the topo- 
graphic atlas sheets, a printed schedule is followed, which shows the 
subjects of examination ranged in the order of procedure. The exam- 
iner also provides himself with a photograph of the manuscript, on 
the scale of publication, on which he marks with red ink all changes, 
corrections, explanatory notes, and notes of instruction to the 
engravers. 
