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By Matthew Perry


Most often, when people think of maps, GPS devices are often the first thing that comes to mind. Although, there are a number of other types of maps. In one case, a geological or geologic map pertains to showing geological aspects and locations on geographical maps.

In geological maps, geologic strata and data are shown by colors, symbols and other markings which are often measured from the surface. For example, data such as folds, faults, lineages and plunges are often marked with a dip or strike. In most cases, objects marked with dips and strikes tend to render a three dimensional aspect on geographical maps.

Identifying and marking the surface area of the object can often be complicated. The use of contour lines can often help in illustrating the subsurface, surface and topographical areas. Whereas, when making such calculations, it is important to consider whether or not the object had been exposed to topsoil, backfill, bedrock or other related factors which could have effected the overall surface area.

Currently, the oldest geological map known to exist is that of the Turin Papyrus which has been well preserved since being found. Being a map that dates back to 1150 BCE, it was an important archaeological, geographical, geological and historical find. For, the map depicted stone and gold deposits from different areas of Egypt. In fact, it is believed that the map may have even been integral in the building of the pyramids.

In 1771, another geological map of importance was found which shows parts of Auyergne. In this case, the map was made out of basalt with the mapmakers having used balls, prisms and other items to denote different locations which were rich in various types of rock formations. While there were most likely maps created between 1150 BCE and 1771, this map is still considered the first of its kind to be found in the modern era.

The first of these maps to be produced in the United States was produced by William Maclure in 1809. Maclure, undertook the task of taking a geological survey of the country in 1807. During the survey, Maclure traveled and mapped each state and geological aspects of each which were part of the Union at that time.

It was a survey and journey which would take over twenty four months. Reports have shown that the mapmaker and surveyor crossed over the Allegheny mountains at least fifty times before returning home. More recently, five classes of rock have been identified on the map which appear to only exist in the Eastern most states of the country.

While most all geological maps are similar to the first one created by Maclure, many are now superimposed over topographical maps with a letter, symbol and color mark to describe the type of geological aspects in the area. While the color relates to the exposure of the bedrock from the surface, symbols are often used to show fossils, fault lines and other data. As such, these maps are used in a number of different areas including marine biology, geology, history, topology and earthquake sciences.




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