Guidelines for the Compilation of Geological Maps
General Principles

Editors: Schwarz, Carsten; Katzschmann, Lutz; Radzinski, Karl-Heinz.
Publisher.: Ad-Hoc-Arbeitsgruppe Geologie.

2004. 135 Pages, 16 Images, 6 Tables, 4 Appendix, 24x17cm
(Geologisches Jahrbuch Reihe G, Volume G 12)
ISBN 3-510-95925-6 ,  EUR 28.00
Stephen J. Booth and hos

Abbildung vergrößern

Shortly after publication of the German "Guidelines for the Compilation of Geological Maps", it became clear that there was a need for an English translation, as shown by an official inquiry from the British Geological Survey (BGS). The authors were, therefore, requested by the Federal-State Committee for GeoResearch, the Directors of the individual State Geological Surveys of Germany, and the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources to prepare an English version. This English version provides a further basis for close, cross-border co-operation on geological mapping. The International distribution of these mapping guidelines, tested in practical application and containing recommendations and examples, is meant to support efforts to set up practical international standards. The mapping guidelines presented here are only those used by the State Geological Surveys of Germany. It is possible, however, for the core concept to be applied by other Geological Surveys. The authors wish to express their appreciation to STEPHEN J. BOOTH and his colleagues at the British Geological Survey in Keyworth for critical review of the manuscript and support for the translation into English.

Hannover, April 2004

Geological mapping provides basic information on the geological structures and stratigraphy of an area. Maps are the usual form of representing geological data. Guidelines for data acquisition and evaluation, as well as for the preparation of the geological map (analog and digital), the legend, and the Explanatory Notes, have been prepared so that the geological maps will be uniform. These guidelines should help beginning geologists in the Geological Surveys, students, and geologists who are not employed by a Geological Survey to carry out their work in an efficient and targeted manner.

Preface and Objectives

1 Requirements and Products of Geological Mapping
1.1 Procedures endorsed by the State Geological Surveys for geological mapping

2 Preparation for the Geological Mapping Fieldwork
2.1 Compilation of available geological information
2.2 Preparation of the topographic map for the geological fieldwork
2.3 Equipment for the geological fieldwork
2.4 Notification of relevant authorities, companies and private landowners

3 Fieldwork Procedures
3.1 Reconnaissance work
3.2 General field mapping procedures
3.3 Remarks on the description outcrop geology
3.3.1 Basic data
3.3.2 Outcrop data
3.3.3 Data from individual geological features
3.4 Collecting samples
3.5 Field observation records
3.5.1 Field map sheet
3.5.2 Outcrop map
3.5.3 Field notebook, outcrop description forms, field PC System
3.5.4 Sample register and sample form sheets
3.5.5 Documentation required after completion of the geological fieldwork
3.6 Geological mapping in areas dominated by bedrock
3.7 Mapping areas of unconsolidated rocks
3.8 Mapping areas of Holocene coastal deposits
3.9 Mapping in alpine terrain

4 Presentation of the Results
4.1 Comparison of the attributes of analog and digital maps
4.2 Products of geological mapping - visual publications
4.2.1 Geological base map
4.2.1.1 Principles of map presentation
4.2.1.2 Contents of the map
4.2.l.3 Drafting of the geological map
4.2.1.3.1 General Remarks
4.2.1.3.2 Reference values for the minimum size of linear and planar map elements
4.2.1.3.3 Topographic base maps
4.2.1.4 Citation of the editions of geological maps
4.2.2 Solid geology maps
4.2.3 Geological cross-sections
4.2.4 Profile and thickness columns
4.2.4.1 Profile columns
4.2.4.2 Stratigraphic thickness columns
4.2.5 Geological spatial models
4.2.5.1 Block diagrams
4.2.5.2 Digital spatial models
4.2.6 Sequence profile maps
4.2.7 Lithofacies maps
4.2.8 Palaeogeographic maps
4.2.9 Structural maps
4.2.10 Contour maps
4.2.10.1 Thickness maps (isopach maps)
4.2.10.2 Depth contour maps
4.2.10.3 Other contour maps
4.2.11 Outcrop and drill hole maps
4.2.11.1 Outcrop maps
4.2.11.2 Drill hole location maps
4.2.12 Other thematic maps
4.2.13 Other information shown on the map margins or on supplementary maps
4.2.14 Legends
4.3 Colours, patterns and lines for graphical presentation
4.3.1 General remarks
4.3.2 Linear features
4.3.3 Colours
4.3.4 Patterns
4.3.4.1 Pattern shapes
4.3.4.2 Pattern colours
4.3.4.3 Asymmetric linear patterns
4.3.4.4 Graphical symbols
4.3.4.5 Inscriptions for mapped areas
4.4 Products from the geological mapping - text contributions
4.4.1 Explanatory Notes for the geological map
4.4.1.1 "Introduction" chapter
4.4.1.2 "Geological and Geographic Overview" chapter
4.4.1.3 "Rock and Stratigraphic Sequence" chapter
4.4.1.4 "Structure" chapter
4.4.1.5 "Geophysics" chapter
4.4.1.6 "Soils" chapter
4.4.1.7 "Hydrogeology" chapter
4.4.1.8 "Engineering Geology" chapter
4.4.1.9 "Resources" chapter
4.1.10 "Protected Geotopes" chapter
4.4.1.11 "Pre- and Early History" chapter
4.4.1.12 "Excursions" chapter
4.4.1.13 "Strata Description Lists" chapter
4.4.1.14 "Literature" chapter
4.4.1.15 Supplementary maps
4 4.1.16 Guidelines for citation the editions of the Explanatory Notes
4.4.2 Mapping reports
4.5 Databases

5 Archiving and Safekeeping of Data
5.1 Basic principles for the archiving of geological data
5.2 Archiving
5.3 Safekeeping

6 References

Appendices 1 - 4