The Pennsylvania Council of Professional Geologists is urging its members and users of the state’s digital mapping program PA MAP to contact their legislators to restore funding for what they said is a vital state program.

The PAMAP Program has been under development by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for the past six years and has reached a critical point where online and continuously updated map information is available for all.

In fact, DCNR announced recently PA MAP information is now being provided to Google Earth for public use.

Two thirds of the Commonwealth has been mapped, but the eastern third of the state, our most developed and heavily populated portion, may not be completed as planned. In addition, updating of the western and central thirds of the state will not take place as planned.

A lack of state funding to continue the PA MAP Program will adversely affect all users of digital maps including geologists, environmental professionals and state, county and local governments in Pennsylvania, said the Council.

A complete copy of the call to action is available online.

2/22/2008