FY25 data preservation projects by the geological survey of alabamaproject period: 8 1 2025 through 7 31 2028PROJECT purpose: priority 1, the geological survey of alabama proposes three projects,…

The Geological Survey of Alabama received a $1,229,296 project grant from the U.S. Geological Survey's Office of Acquisitions and Grants under the National Geological and Geophysical Data Preservation Program (CFDA 15.814) for the period August 1, 2025 through July 31, 2028. The award funds three primary data preservation objectives: curation of 4,800 fossil specimens with digital metadata and archival-grade housing; curation of 4,000 mineral and rock specimens with digitally recorded metadata; and generation of Level III geologic mapping schema-compliant geospatial data and metadata for 24 maps containing critical minerals-related information. Supporting these activities, the award also funds the purchase of two new cameras and associated equipment to facilitate specimen photography and documentation.

Deliverables resulting from the award include specimen metadata submissions to the Registry of Scientific Collections Database for fossils and mineral/rock specimens, Level III mapping data submissions to the National Geologic Mapping Database, digitally archived fossil specimen photographs for public access, and summary reports to the U.S. Geological Survey. The curated collections and geospatial datasets will benefit geoscientists, paleontologists, exploration geologists, and the broader public by enabling stratigraphic analysis, environmental studies, mineral system reviews, critical minerals assessments, and derivative map product development.

Activities

Collections curated for priority 1 objectives 1 and 2 will have their specimen metadata digitally recorded in separate spreadsheets, and they will be improved by providing the specimens with new archival-grade labels, foam padding, and trays (where needed). Fossil specimens will also be photographed and digitally archived for public access. Maps digitized for priority 1 objective 3 will have their geospatial data generated and metadata written using esris arcgis suite. Deliverables: metadata created during priority 1 objectives 1 and 2 will be submitted to the registry of scientific collections database, and level III geologic mapping schema-compliant data generated for priority 1 objective 3 will be submitted to the national geologic mapping database. Reports summarizing the results of the priority 1 (and 2, if necessary) projects will be submitted to the U.S. Geological survey.intended beneficiary(IES): the beneficiaries of these projects include geoscientists, paleontologists, and exploration geologists, who can access this data for stratigraphic purposes, environmental studies, mineral system review, critical minerals assessment development, geologic mapping and making derivative maps products. Additional beneficiaries include public and other stakeholders, who can use these data to freely pursue their own interests.subrecipients: N a