A geological map is a special-variety map created to show geological features. Rock formation is shown by thematic (color) or symbols to indicate surface coverage. Structural elements are shown with strike and dip symbols which consist of a long line, a number, and a short line which are used to indicate tilted (Deskew) beds. The long line is the strike line, which shows the true horizontal direction along the bed, the number is the dip or number of degrees of tilt above horizontal, and the short line is the dip line, which shows the direction of Rotation (tilt).

Stratigraphic contour lines may be used to brief the surface of a selected stratum illustrating the subsurface topographic trends of the strata. Isopach maps detail the variations in thickness of stratigraphic units. It is not always possible to properly show this when the strata are extremely fractured (Cracked), mixed, in some discontinuities, or where they are otherwise disturbed.

Geology is derived from the Greek word “earth” and logos, “speech”) is the science and study of the solid and liquid matter that constitutes the Earth. The field of geology encompasses the study of the composition, structure, physical properties, dynamics, and history of Earth materials, and the processes by which they are formed, moved, and changed. The field is a major academic discipline, and is also important for mineral and hydrocarbon extraction, knowledge about and mitigation of natural hazards, some engineering fields, and understanding past climates and environments.

Geologists use a number of field, laboratory, and numerical modeling methods to decipher Earth history and understand the processes that occur on/in the Earth. In typical geological investigations, geologists use primary information related to petrology (the study of rocks), stratigraphy (the study of sedimentary layers), and structural geology (the study of positions of rock units and their deformation). In many cases, geologists also study modern soils, rivers, landscapes, and glaciers; investigate past and current life and biogeochemical pathways, and use geophysical methods to investigate the subsurface.

A Geologist basically collects as much information as possible before he gets into the field data collection process. The combination of historical data and the field data could result to a maximum amount of result oriented prediction in mineral exploration, as the study of geology is a vast subject indeed, its use and mapping is quite different from the usual mapping techniques.

The geologist/Cartographer in charges of the mapping process have their own set of standards, which determine a pre-modeling process, wherein the exploration companies completely rely on the field data and historical data modeling before getting onto field for drilling and other mining related activities.

Hence the geological mapping is definitely a unique GIS mapping experience from the usual GIS work. These are few basic fundamentals that I wanted to share with you folks, any feedback on this would be much appreciated.