Michigan

Summary

Through STATEMAP and NGGDPP, the Michigan Geological Survey (MGS) is delivering powerful tools for water protection, community planning, and global geoscience access. These programs have supported groundwater monitoring, source water protection planning, and the digitization of irreplaceable core and thin-section collections now accessed worldwide.

STATEMAP

  • Allegan County Project:
    • Delivered updated geologic and groundwater data, including:
      • Detailed surficial maps.
      • A user-friendly web application.
      • Derivative planning products.
    • Established a sophisticated groundwater monitoring network.
    • Enabled local authorities to:
      • Manage water resources more effectively.
      • Make informed community planning decisions.
      • Develop a county-wide source water protection plan to protect public health.
  • Impact: Demonstrates how targeted funding creates lasting, valuable tools for both local governments and the public.

NGGDPP (Data Preservation)

  • Project Title: Photographing Cores, Scanning Thin Sections, Improving Core Storage Infrastructure, and Geochemical Analysis of Salt and Potash Cores (2023–2026).
  • Collections Preserved:
    • 13,822 boxes of rock cores digitally photographed in high-resolution color.
    • 3,000+ thin-section slides scanned at 4800 dpi, 48-bit color.
    • 12,000+ boxes of drill cuttings inventoried and reboxed for long-term preservation.
  • Global Access:
    • Hosted on Western Michigan University’s ScholarWorks site.
    • From Aug. 2023 – Aug. 2025:
      • 479,463 core image downloads.
      • 6,987 institutional visits:
      • Users from 191 countries.
      • 1,189 referrals from external websites.

Impact for Michigan:

  • Supports local water management and public health through mapping and monitoring networks.
  • Preserves critical geologic materials (cores, slides, cuttings) and makes them digitally accessible.
  • Achieved nearly half a million downloads in two years, showing international demand for Michigan’s data.
  • Strengthens both local planning and global geoscience research.