TECHNOLOGY AND FIELD MAPPING AT THE MAINE GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

Since 2018, staff at the Maine Geological Survey have been using tablets and ESRI mobile applications during field mapping to accurately record locations and observations, as well as for navigation. The transition for surficial geology mapping has been seamless, greatly improving efficiency in the field and in map production. Data is uploaded to the cloud in the field and later brought into the surficial mapping database with custom scripts, so adjustments during map production are minimal. Bedrock mapping has employed a hybrid approach where a tablet is used to record observation coordinates, but traditional field notebook and compass methods are still used to measure and record data. Bedrock field data is then entered by hand into the bedrock mapping database’s complex related tables during map production. Full conversion to electronic field methods for bedrock mapping data is expected with future updates to the ESRI mobile application suite. Downloading lidar hillshade imagery to tablets allows bedrock and surficial mappers to quickly navigate to specific or subtle features, even in dense forest cover that is typical of our current mapping areas. Georeferenced photos and videos taken with tablets are loaded into a photo database that is converted to a point layer for easy reference during map production, and this media is also made available to the public through Digital Maine. While technology has improved efficiency and accuracy, there have been challenges with tablet use such as lack of cell signal for cloud connection, overheating, battery life, and reduced touch screen functionality in wet conditions.