Of course other people would make maps without the USGS--they already do. But everybody's maps are derived from--and kept honest by--the USGS reference maps.
The point I was trying to make when I brought up property lines is that some functions are so integral to civilization--including the functioning of commerce--that they require a third-party arbiter. The USGSurvey pounded the benchmarks into the ground to provide the objective reference points upon which all mapping is based, and they maintain the benchmarks as the fault lines shift and continental plates slip. The plat that defines your ownership of the land you call home is defined, ultimately, in relation to USGS reference points.
Think of the USGS as similar in concept to the National Bureau of Standards (another bedrock function of government that supports commerce). They both provide standards that enable the marketplace to work.
Current Events » in reply to You really think nobody would sell maps if it wasn't for them?
re: You really think nobody would sell maps if it wasn't for them?
The whole thread (39 posts)
- Heritage reams Bush on spending
- Just fold Social Security in with the income tax
- What is with you guys and the USGS?
- YEAH !
- To "green" for the repugs. You expect them to support things like water quality testing near industrial donors? (n/t)
- It could work if
- Suprisingly, I pretty much agree with you.