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August 11, 2010—As part of its geohazards research programs, the Ohio Geological Survey archives abandoned underground mine maps and uses the latest mapping and Geographic Information System (GIS) technology to locate abandoned mines and mine openings in relation to current surface activities and features. These locations, along with types and extents of mines, are presented in the Ohio Abandoned Mine Locator, an interactive, Web-based mapping feature accessible through the Survey’s Web site.
Updating and improving the quality and effectiveness of the Ohio Abandoned Mine Locator has been a continuous process since it was created in 2004. Thanks to funding through the U.S. Department of Interior, Office of Surface Mining and the Ohio Mine Subsidence Insurance Underwriting Association, the Survey recently made several improvements to the locator—the first substantial data updates since 2005. Included in the changes are:
- Higher-resolution images – For a portion of the maps, the low-resolution aperture card scans were replaced with high-resolution scans from Mylar maps.
- Compressed image files – Larger TIF files have been replaced with smaller PDF files.
- Mine elevations.
- Updated extents (outlines) of mines – Reviews of historical records have indicated better spatial locations of some previously unlocated mine maps.
- Added extents of mines – Mine maps recently acquired from the public have aided in modifying the extents of the mine GIS files.
Users will now notice faster downloads of maps showing more detailed mine workings. In some cases, multiple maps for large mines have been stitched together for easier navigation.
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Click image to enlarge.
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Click image to enlarge.
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Two images for a mine in Athens County (York Township) operated by the Valley No. 6 Coal Company, abandoned in 1965. The top image is a low-resolution image; the bottom image is of higher-resolution. Note the improved clarity of details, such as labels, surface features, and mine extents, in the updated higher resolution image.
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The Ohio Abandoned Mine Locator is an important tool for Ohio businesses, industry, and residents living in areas historically known for underground mining. The locator can aid home and land owners, real estate agents, planners, developers, and transportation officials in determining if a mine is located beneath a property, thereby assisting strategic land use and development planning, zoning, and the mitigation of mine subsidence problems.
To access the locator and for information on abandoned underground mines, mine subsidence, the Survey’s abandoned mine mapping program, and more, explore the links below:
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