Disk maps on unix disks (a standard???)

[Narayan Mohanram]

In most unix systems, when one makes a file system via an
FSCK, they have to dig up the manual for the disk type to
see how the disc driver has laid out the disk (the various
partions sizes, and starting point). Has any-one come up
with a standard for putting these partition map info on
the front a disk on a super-super block so to speak. Then
one can mount a disk pack on any unix system, and read it.
The drivers/unix can get the info from the front of the
disk.