GEOLOGIC MAP

 Geologic map is a map that shows various geological features.

 It’s a fundamental device of geologists.

 A geological map may be a geologist's first introduction to an area; it may

also represent the culmination of investigation.

 despite being a flat piece of paper, remains the single most convenient way
of representing and working with the spatial arrangement of rocks.
 Components of a geologic map
 Key or legend

 the most striking thing about a typical geological map is its numerous patches of
colour. Uncoloured maps have equivalent areas of black and white ornament.
 These colours and ornaments indicate the distribution of the map units into which
the rocks have been divided for the purpose of the map.
 The map key, also referred to as a legend, explanation, or index, specifies the
geological meaning of the colours and ornaments, together with any symbols used
on the map.
 It’s the first thing to consult when examining a map.
 Scale

 The scale of geological maps is highly variable: from very small-scale maps of
entire continents or even planets, to very large-scale maps which show fine
details of a particular locality, perhaps one of special scientific or commercial
interest.
 Scale is most usually specified as a ratio, for example 1 : 100,000, where one unit
on the map represents 100 000 of the same units on the ground. Thus 1 cm on a
map at this particular scale would be equivalent to 100,000 cm, that is 1000 m or
1 km.
1: 10,000,000 Maps of entire continents, oceans, or planets, on single sheets.

1:5,000,000 and Synoptic views of continents or countries, sometimes on several sheets.

1:1,000,000

1:500,000 Maps of countries, provinces, states (depending on size); little detail but of use for
general planning and overviews.

1:250,000 Regional geology

1:50,000, 1:25,000, and The standard scales for reasonably detailed published geological maps of well-
lesser investigated countries.
 Georeferencing

 Georeferencing simply means the internal coordinate system of a map.

 It helps define or identify the positions of features on the surface of earth.
 It allows the measurements of distances and to determine direction.
 In coordinate system, the X value given first and referred to as the easting, the Y
value given second and referred to as a northing. There are no west and southern
values. The coordinates always measure right and then up.
 Geologic symbols

 Geologic maps include strike and dip symbols showing the orientation and slope
of bed rocks.

 Geologic symbols also include foliations in metamorphic rocks, faults, folds, and
other geologic structures present in an area.

 Some of the geologic symbols can be seen in the next slide

 Geologic cross-sections

 Many geologic maps include geologic cross-sections or profile of the extrapolated

geologic structures and rock units beneath the surface...

 A geologic cross –section will be labelled on the map with a bold line and letter
marking either end of the cross-section, usually with A-A’, B-B’ etc…
 A geologic
cross-section

A geologic profile
 Problems associated with a geologic map
 The problem of scaling: choosing a wrong scale for your map will make the
representation of all geologic features wrongly placed.
 The problem of using wrong symbols; for different geologic rocks or
structures: using wrong symbol in a geologic map may lead to wrong
interpretation.
 The problem of interpretation: one with no background knowledge in
geology may have difficulty in interpreting a geologic map.
 The problem of graphics and printing: in preparing a geologic report which
may include a geologic map, wrong graphics used on the geologic map will
probably produce a poor geologic map after printing.
 The problem of purpose; for exploration or for hazard? etc… in selection
of purpose for a geologic map should be well explained first before production,
because every map has its purpose and questions needed to be addressed.
 Problems associated with a geologic map contd….
 The problem of lack of GIS or IT skills and abilities: in a digitized world, the
importance of cartographers are limited due to new technologies. So, for one to
produce a detailed geologic map, he/she needs to master a IT or GIS skills.
 The problem of lack of geologic knowledge- may lead to wrong geometry
placement of features, e.g contacts, faults, dips etc….
 The problem of use of terminology: there are certain terminologies used by
non-geologist, such terminologies are not applicable in a geologic map.
 The problem of placing stratigraphic units without reference to chronology:
in presenting your legend/keys, law of stratigraphy should be applicable; e.g
placing an older rock unit above a younger one is not obeying the law of
stratigraphy.
 The problem of misplacing coordinates: misplacing of coordinates may lead to
a different location. So its important to always choose your coordinates correctly.