USING GIS TO ANALYZE AND STRENGTHEN DELIVERY OF DERIVATIVE GEOLOGIC MAPS: THREE EXAMPLES FROM THE KENTUCKY GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

The completion of digital, 1:24:000-scale geology for Kentucky is facilitating compilation, analysis, and delivery of diverse types of geologic information in a GIS. To demonstrate the power of GIS, three examples from the Kentucky Geological Survey, all parts of different projects, are discussed. They are a derivative geologic map of Mammoth Cave National Park, surficial geologic mapping, and landslide potential mapping. In order to create new derivative geologic maps or other related products, diverse data sets are analyzed in a GIS to help create the maps. Analytical tools in GIS enhance traditional geologic map information to produce products that are better suited for target audiences.

The Kentucky Geological Survey and the National Park Service are jointly producing a derivative geologic map of Mammoth Cave National Park. The idea is based on a series of county land-use planning maps published by the Kentucky Geological Survey that communicate traditional geologic map information to the general public. The maps relate rock types to various land-use and geologic-hazard issues. GIS is used in reclassifying the geology to understandable lithologic terms and then by adding different data overlays, diagrams, and pictures to create a useful product for the public, park visitors, and park employees.

Surficial geologic mapping of Quaternary sediments consists of analyzing topography, soils data, digital elevation models, aerial photography, and bedrock geology. GIS comparisons of existing soil and geologic maps can highlight inconsistencies and relationships to create a powerful and efficient tool for new field work. Bringing all these together in a GIS allows for the creation of detailed maps that are much more useful to transportation, geotechnical, energy, and hazard-mitigation audiences.

Landslide potential maps are being created for some parts of eastern Kentucky where they can be used by nongeologists to help minimize slope failure. Mapping of previous workers has propelled the compilation of a variety of data sets in a GIS. Empirical models can then be created from an existing landslide inventory to aid in the process of map creation and to communicate high-risk areas.