Process / pipelineSurface geological characterization
Geologic Mapping
Geologic mapping is the systematic observation and documentation of rock types, structures, and relationships exposed on the land surface. Pioneered by William Smith in 1799, this foundational field method remains essential for understanding subsurface geology, economic geology, hazard assessment, and paleoenvironmental reconstruction. Modern mapping integrates field observations with satellite imagery, digital logs, and GIS technology to create comprehensive three-dimensional geological frameworks.
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Sources
- Compton, R. R. (1962). Manual of Field Geology. John Wiley & Sons. link ↗
- Fossen, H. (2010). Structural Geology (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press. DOI: 10.1017/CBO9780511777806 ↗
- U.S. Geological Survey. (2017). Standards for Digital Geologic Maps. USGS Open-File Report 2017–1102. link ↗