| OCR Text |
Show Information of the second class relates to socio-economic facts. These, also, are in most instances capable of being observed and measured. They include such as the following: 1. Over-all basic economic facts: (a) Population. (c) Employment. (b) Income. (d) Production. 2. Functional facts relating to: (a) Agriculture. (g) Transportation. (b) Forestry. (h) Power. (c) Fishing and (*') Flood damages. trapping. (7) Water supply. (d) Manufacturing. (k) Pollution. (e) Mining. (/) Fish and wildlife. (/) Recreation. B. Not Enough Facts The status of information in each category of our physical resoixrces is a matter of record. Considering the Nation as a whole, it may be said there are serious de- ficiencies in basic data required for purposes of planning and development. For example, in the case of topo- graphic maps only 25 percent of the area of the United States is covered with maps of acceptable standards. There are even less geologic data in that only 10 percent of the United States is adequately covered with geologic maps. Accepting the obvious situation of a critical de- ficiency in factual information, there remains the question of how adequacy is to be determined. C. Determination of Adequacy The answer to the question of adequacy determination is that those who are to use the information should specify what they need. The consumer's interest is para- mount. The agencies in the Federal Government that supply the various kind of data can advise the users as to the available data and can help to determine its adequacy. Close cooperation between the data-collecting agencies and the resource developing agencies is essential. The resource development agencies should advise the basic-data collecting agencies of their priority needs for various resource data. In so doing they are concerned with: (1) The kind of information needed, and (2) the areas and priorities for making the required information available. D. Definition of Adequacy The first step in determining adequacy of information is that of definition. This is the responsibility of resource development agencies and other users of the data, always working with the benefit of advice from the basic-data agencies. The kind of information needed by the devel- opers should in each case be spelled out in sufficient detail to make sure that they get the necessary information. Adequacy cannot be defined once and for all. Basic data considered essential by the development agencies at any time will depend upon (1) the uses for which the information is sought and the time limit and area involved, and (2) the information the basic-data agencies are able to supply. The first will vary from time to time and from place to place, as needs expand or change. The sec- ond will change as the science of resource surveying, inter- pretation of data, and research unfold. New possibilities are continually being opened up by scientific and tech- nical advances. The definition of adequacy is, therefore, in each and every instance a current consideration. To meet the de- veloper's needs as conditions change, and to take advan- tage of opportunities that arise as resource surveying progresses, adequacy is a matter requiring constant and continuing study. E. Annual Programing The procedure for meeting deficiencies in information regarding physical resources involves the preparation, an- nually, of advance programs of resource surveying. Cur- rently the Federal resources development agencies, in col- laboration with the Bureau of the Budget and the basic- data agencies, specify the kinds of data they require, ex- pressing these requirements in terms of area, degree of coverage, and of time priorities. From these statements of priority needs, annual programs of collection, analysis, and interpretation of basic data are developed. The Bu- reau of the Budget assists in the planning and coordination of these annual programs. V. Relation Between Project Development and Basic Data Collection A. Correlation Required Agencies charged with the collection of basic data follow a general pattern in their conduct of survey operations. The Federal agencies concerned in the conservation, use, and development of our natural resources likewise follow generally consistent procedures, which are largely pre- scribed by statute. 330 |
