THE VALUE OF GENERATIVE DIGITAL MAPPING IN ADVANCED FIELD GEOLOGY COURSES USING GEOMAPPER/PENMAP: A NEW MAPPING FRONTIER

Initial reluctance to incorporating digital field methods in academia is waning as hardware improved and software has proven effective. In growing numbers, field instructors have realized that conversion from paper to digital methods is inevitable and offers significant advantages worth the expense. Experience gained over a decade of teaching both the introductory field methods course and our advanced summer field course at UC Berkeley shows that paper methods remain a vital initiation phase to acquire mapping skills, build powers of observation, and confidence. This talk addresses how such traditional field experience is then expanded through GIS technology in the field using UC Berkeley program GeoMapper/PenMap which provides a ready-made visual user interface simply requiring point and click customizing of stratigraphic legends; the rest in built in. GeoMapper supports digital mapping of outcrop lithology, formations, structures, mineralization, and alteration. GeoMapper supports both more accurate locations using directly linked GPS and efficient mapping while expanding the powers of interpretation by integrating multiple map sets including geophysics. Overlays of seismic epicenters with geology show which mapped faults are active and represent neo-tectonic processes. Our advanced summer field course in south west Montana has proven that the single greatest advantage of digital mapping is that we can now work effectively in regions where only reconnaissance grade mapping has been possible in remote areas between roads or under tree canopy. Hence, advanced summer field courses can complete field project mapping that contributes valuable new generative geological information rather than remap well-known regions. Digital mapping can also help standardize mapping procedures while also supporting individual ways of mapping. GeoMapper offers more than a time-consuming development tool, but is an enabling, out of the box program supporting a complete mapping system that is readily adapted to each new area. Alumni support from enthusiastic retired professionals has proved vital in implementing and maintaining digital technology.