MAPPING THE WEST VIRGINIA PORTION OF THE LAKE LYNN 7.5-MINUTE QUADRANGLE: A PILOT PROJECT FOR UTILIZING PRE-EXISTING GEOLOGIC GIS DATA TO PRODUCE GEOLOGIC MAPS

Is it possible to use data from GIS databases designed to generate tax bills to produce geologic maps? This is the question that we posed before beginning a pilot project in 2002, to map the West Virginia portion of the Lake Lynn 7.5-minute quadrangle and to explore utilizing pre-existing GIS data to produce geologic maps.

Since the mid 1990s, the West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey has been developing statewide GIS databases of mineral resource data. The ultimate goal of this project is to support the development of a better method of taxing mineral resources. What we have is a GIS database heavily oriented toward economically valuable mineral deposits. What we need are up-to-date geologic maps for a growing urban corridor along Interstates 68 and 79 in north-central West Virginia.

The GIS databases include coal elevation, thickness, and mining data. A few major coal beds form the boundaries of some mapping units in the region. Numerous geo-referenced oil and gas well logs are also available for generating structure contour maps and outcrops. Recent NAPP photography and digital orthophotography are available for the area to fine tune the final product.

The project was successful and the GIS was useful; however, it is still necessary to collect additional field data and to field check information derived from the GIS data. Geologic mapping in urban areas should also incorporate remotely sensed data to accurately place rock unit boundaries.