Geologic mapping is a highly interpretive, scientific process that can produce a range of map products for many different uses, including assessing ground-water quality and contamination risks; predicting earthquake, volcano, and landslide hazards; characterizing energy and mineral resources and their extraction costs; waste repository siting; land management and land-use planning; and general education. The value of geologic map information in public and private decision-making (such as for the siting of landfills and highways) has repeatedly been described anectodally, and has been demonstrated in benefit-cost analyses to reduce uncertainty and, by extension, potential costs.