QMAP: THE 1:250 000 GEOLOGICAL MAP OF NZ. MOVING TO A NEW DIMENSION

The QMAP Geological Map of New Zealand is nearing completion - an ambitious 16 year task to produce completely revised 2^nd editions of 1:250 000 geological maps covering the nation. The QMAP project was designed to provide new maps and a GIS dataset incorporating new data and major conceptual changes in geological theory and knowledge available since the 1960’s geological map coverage.

As the final maps are completed in 2010, the GIS data will become “seamless” involving some revision and resolution of conflicting geology across some sheet boundaries. The seamless geological dataset will be served via the internet. A new second edition of the 1:1 Million Geological Map of New Zealand is also being derived from the new QMAP geology. The digital GIS data will replace the existing version on the OneGeology Portal.

The GIS vector datasets contain rich data attributes and are widely consulted by many in the education, resource, hazard, and utility sectors. The data have been used for a series of mineral prospectivity analyses, hazard and risk analyses and determining excavation conditions. The data can be usefully combined with other data such as geochemistry, topography and population statistics.

Geological mapping will not end in 2010. Episodic updates of the QMAP dataset are proposed but the series only provides relatively generalised views of New Zealand geology. New map series are being designed to provide the detail required for many areas of economic significance to New Zealand, particularly cities, and for regions of intensive mineral, water, hydrocarbon and geothermal extraction. The new geological map series will incorporate traditional printed maps and explanatory texts, as well as GIS datasets and 3D geological models using emerging 3D mapping software technology. The addition of 3D geological mapping will enhance the communication of subsurface geological understanding.