Geologic Field Techniques

Ellasy Gulule Chimimba

Types of Geological Maps and
Base Maps
 Types of Geological Maps
There are four:
Geological reconnaissance maps
Regional geological maps
Detailed geological maps
Specialized maps

(from USGS (b))

 1. Geological reconnaissance maps
• Reconnaissance maps are made to find out as
much as possible about the geology of an area
as quickly as possible
• They are usually made at a scale of 1:250 000
or smaller, sometimes very much smaller.
• Some are made by using remote sensing
techniques
• Minimum of work is done on the ground to
identify rock types and to identify dubious
structural features, such as lineaments

(from USGS (b))

 2. Regional geological maps
•Reconnaissance maps may have given the outline
of rock distribution and general structure.

•now the geology must be studied in more detail,

most commonly at a scale of 1:5000 or 1:25 000,
although any resulting map will probably be
published at 1:100 000

Regional geological maps should be plotted on a

reliable base map.

(from USGS (b))

 3. Detailed geological maps

• Such maps are made to investigate specific

problems that have arisen during smaller-scale
mapping
• Or perhaps for the preliminary investigation of
a dam site or for other major engineering
projects
• Usually covers a small area and are of large
scale
 4. Specialized maps

• They include large-scale maps of small areas

made to record specific geological features in
great detail.
• They include geophysical and geochemical
maps; foliation and joint maps and sampling
plans just to mention few.
 Essential Parts of a Geological Map

• Each map has some elements which are very

important
• These are Compass/north arrow/compass rose,
legend, the title, and a scale, please make
reference to page 13 of study guide provided
for detailed description of these elements
 Base Maps
• It is a map on which primary data and
interpretations can be plotted. In geological
mapping it is where geological information and
interpretation in the field are plotted
 Planimetric
•Planimetric: maps only show drainage, culture (man-
made features) and and perhaps scattered elevations.
•only useful when mapping very small areas.
•valuable documents in areas where roads, buildings and
water ways are spaced closely enough to permit accurate
locations of geologic features
 Topographic Maps
•shows all the features displayed in planimetric
maps plus contours as well.

•They are ideal maps used as base maps firstly

because they allow cross sections to be made from
them in any direction.
secondly from the fact that their contours provide
several means of plotting outcrops and
topography accurately
Topographic Map
 Aerial Maps&Remote Sensing Images
• If topographic maps are not available, or if
greater detail is needed than can be placed on
the most detailed map available, aerial
photographs may be used as base maps
• Different rock types and structures gives
different tones and colour as such can be
interpreted from using aerial maps
 Locating Oneself on a Base Map
•A fundamental skill is to be able to correctly
position yourself on your base map

•A geological map is made by locating many

points, lines and other data on a base map.

•Its value will depend on a good deal on accuracy

of determination of these locations

•Methods of locating points on a Map depends

on a given ground situation.
 LOCATE

On a 1:10 000 map, 1 cm on the map represents 100 m

in the field. You should be able to pinpoint yourself to
within 10 m in the field
1. Location by Inspection
• points are recognized by configuration of
features
• A location on a map is found by identifying
common features like road junctions, river
bends or common buildings
2. Location by use of a Global Positioning
System (GPS)
•The GPS comprises of 24 orbiting satellites, in 6
orbital planes, that transmit navigational signals for
Earth-bound use.
•Using this technology, latitude, longitude, and
elevation are accurately calibrated using a hand-held
instrument that reads radio signals from satellites.
•GPS provides continuous positioning and timing
information anywhere in the world
•Used to determine position
 3. Pace and bearing
• Every geologist should know his pace length
• Pace out distance from known feature
marked on map (use compass to take bearing
on feature and mark faintly on map so line
can easily be removed)
• One measure paces/distance from a known
position
• Reference should be made to unit 3 of study
guide for this lecture