Digital surface mining overlay maps consist of georeferenced TIFF images depicting permitted surface and underground mine boundaries and selected mining features.  The accompanying legend at the bottom of each image identifies mining features included and coded on the overlays along with the associated permit number.

Digital overlay map filenames are comprised of a code referencing the corresponding 7½ minute USGS topographic map and a number indicating the mapping series.  Click on the link to view a list of topographic quadrangle names and corresponding codes.   Note: This document is in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF).  You will need special software to view it, which you may download free of charge by clicking on the Adobe Reader icon on this page.

Currently six series of overlays are available. Each series represents a time period in the permitting of surface coal mining in Kentucky.

• Series I: Areas permitted from 1977 to March 1, 1981 which were active as of January 1, 1981.
• Series II: Areas permitted from 1961 to 1977 which were inactive as of January 1, 1981.
• Series III: Areas permitted from March 1, 1981 through January 18, 1983.
• Series IV: Areas permitted under the permanent program after January 18, 1983 and through April 1, 1986.
• Series V: Areas permitted under the new permanent program after April 1, 1986 and through August 1, 1995.
• Series VI: Areas permitted after August 1, 1995 and through August 31, 1999.

Digital overlay maps are projected in the NAD83 Kentucky Single Zone Coordinate System.  

-It may be necessary to download and save both the image and the associated world file in the same location on your computer in order to properly view the georeferenced image in some GIS applications.-

The Overlay Map User's Guide provides detailed instructions for using the overlay maps.