GEOLOGICAL MAPS AS RELATIONAL DATABASES

For 200 years, geological maps have been constructed from disconnected datasets. Field measurements, descriptions, and sketches were handwritten in field notebooks, microscopic studies and geochemical or geochronological laboratory analyses were documented in reports, field photographs were kept in photo albums, and field relations were transferred from hand-drawn field slips to mylar sheets and thence to the printed map.

Today, mapping technology enables these sources of data to be linked to one another and to the electronically published digital map. In our current research, we aim to establish a standard methodology for embedding large sets of field mapping data and associated lab analyses in innovative 4-dimensional interactive maps. We have produced a number of proof-of-concept maps that illustrate how the data supporting a particular stratigraphic or tectonic interpretation can be embedded into a digital map. These digital maps are effectively relational databases where all relevant information is instantly accessible to a person viewing the final product. This approach turns a geological map into a testable geological hypothesis.

A drawback of digital mapping is that the technology is growing increasing complex. There is a danger that the geologist may become preoccupied with the technology learning curve to the detriment of data interpretation and synthesis. We plan to address this issue by teaming geology students with computer engineering students in field mapping exercises. The goal is to integrate the technologic skills of engineering students with the field skills of geology students to maximize the efficiency of the digital map development process.