Is the map a progess map, an open-file map, or a published map?
• Progress maps are preliminary maps constructed after only a short time in the field. As a result, progress maps may contain areas with no information, and the geologic contacts are often very uncertain. The basic observations on the maps are reliable, but the interpretations are based on limited data with little or no peer review by other geologists. If they are prepared and published, they are done so to make this basic data available to other geologists. These maps are not widely distributed and can be recognized by the lack of a formal publication number in the title block. • Open-file maps represent a more extensive gathering of data which allows the geologist to be more precise in the location of boundaries and the interpretation of geologic structure. They have undergone some peer review by other geologists. These maps may be continually updated as new information is gathered. They are recognized by the open-file number in the title block. Most maps produced by the Maine Geolog
