COMPUTER DRAFTING IN FIELD GEOLOGY

In the fall of 2000 we began teaching a modern version of scientific drafting in our Field Geology course by using Macromedia's FreeHand as the graphics tool for the production of maps, cross sections, and illustrations.

Traditionally, field methods courses included a component of scientific drafting. Because pen and ink drawing was outdated and computer drafting programs were expensive and too difficult to learn, programs dropped this aspect of undergraduate training. Faculty settled for inferior illustrations, and students took less pride in their work.

Computer programs such as FreeHand have enabled us to again teach these skills to our undergraduates. Early in the semester students get an introduction to FreeHand by way of an in-class demonstration. FreeHand is installed on all departmental computers, and students are encouraged to purchase their own copies.

In the first field lab students produce a map of a campus lake, locate the outcrops, and plot strike and dip symbols to indicate the orientation of bedding. Field maps are drawn on cross-section paper and scanned. Students import the scan into FreeHand, trace the lake shoreline, and plot the strike and dip symbols. They add a title, their names, and a legend for the map.

In subsequent mapping projects I provide a base map in digital form, identical to the paper map used in the field to trace contacts. Students transfer their field data to the digital base to complete their maps. They make geologic cross sections, scan them, and trace them in Free Hand to produce the cross sections to accompany their reports. The same basic technique is used for all subsequent mapping projects.

Students consistently report that learning to use FreeHand was time-consuming, but worth the effort. About two-thirds report that they plan to use it in other courses. An important benefit is that the students have regained pride in their work.

Subsequent observations have shown that virtually all of the students use FreeHand in later courses. Some use it to produce illustrations for pay and in professional positions later in their careers. In short, teaching students a computer-based method of producing scientific illustrations has improved the quality of the course work in Field Geology and other courses, and better prepared our students to be competitive in the professional world.