The primary objective of the EDMAP component of the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program (NCGMP) is to train the next generation of geologic mappers. To do this, the NCGMP provides funds for undergraduate and graduate student research projects that involve all activities relevant to the creation of geologic maps (defined broadly as all maps that characterize the solid Earth and/or its constituents). Through these cooperative agreements, the NCGMP hopes to expand the research and educational capacity of national academic programs that teach Earth science students the broad range of techniques relevant to geologic mapping and the analysis of field, geophysical, borehole, and remote sensing data. As of 2024, EDMAP has funded more than 1,501 students from more than 177 universities.
Deadline: Jan. 14, 2025
Each Proposed EDMAP Project must fall into one of two categories:
a. Field-Focused Projects: Field-Focused Projects are those that generate a geologic map, displaying specific geological strata or rock units, based on extensive mentored field mapping. The primary emphasis of Field-Focused Projects must be on student mapping in the field, as has been expected through previous EDMAP Program Announcements. In the case of a Field-Focused Project, a map showing the 2D geologic framework must be produced and delivered to the NCGMP.
b. Data Synthesis Projects: Data Synthesis Projects are those that incorporate emerging geologic mapping skills and field experiences to support the evolving need for broadly defined geologic mapping now and in the future. Such projects must generate a geologic map (defined broadly as any map that characterizes the solid Earth and/or its constituents) by using computational tools or other innovative technologies, such as machine learning, smartphone applications, modeling, remote sensing, drones, etc. (e.g., using machine learning to classify rock types based on remote sensing data).
EDMAP is restricted to U.S. Universities with geoscience or related departments or programs (for more information on whether your institution is eligible to submit an EDMAP proposal, contact the EDMAP Program Officer). University professors (including adjunct professors) must write and submit the proposals; the supported student(s) must not write the proposal. EDMAP Cooperative Agreements are intended to fund graduate (Masters and Doctoral) students and/or upper level (junior and senior) undergraduate students. Graduate and undergraduate students must have received appropriate geoscience or related training prior to the time that they begin the proposed project.
Only one proposal will be accepted from an individual Principal Investigator or PI (Professor or faculty advisor), although more than one proposal can be accepted from a single institution if authored by different PIs. PIs may submit proposals containing multiple sub-projects so long as a different geologic map deliverable is proposed for each project. The PI is required to write and submit the proposal.
EDMAP allows funding requests of up to $45,000 for each graduate student primary mapper/analyst and up to $25,000 for each undergraduate primary mapper/analyst per year.