The Preparation of Illustrations for Reports of the United States Geological Survey

A clear, step‑by‑step guide for geologists, cartographers, and illustrators, this manual explains how to turn raw scientific data into precise, reader‑friendly visuals. It begins by outlining why illustrations matter in geological reports and walks authors through selecting, sizing, and preparing maps, diagrams, photographs, and specimen sketches before they ever reach the printer.

The middle sections shift focus to the hands‑on work of draftsmen, describing the tools, paper types, and drawing techniques needed to render accurate symbols, scales, and color schemes. Detailed instructions cover everything from lettering conventions to the use of transparent water‑colors, and it even shows how to adapt poor‑quality photographs into useful graphics. The final part demystifies the reproduction process, explaining photo‑engraving, lithography, offset printing, and other methods that ensure the finished illustration matches the original intent.

Supplementary tables of geological symbols, standard scales, and reference data round out the volume, making it a practical reference for anyone tasked with producing polished, technically correct illustrations for scientific publications.