How Is A Geologic Map Used?

By Douglas Lee


Typical everyday maps are useful for understanding distances between cities and planning a trip. Beyond this, their use is limited. A geologic map, however, has many uses because the information presented is valuable to city planners, construction industries, governments, landowners, and more. The information provided shows rock formations above and below the surface, fissures, mineral sources and other information that is used in many industries.

Highway construction almost always requires a geological survey. In order to be sure the road will last for years, they have to know what type of material they are laying the concrete over. If the ground is too soft or too hard to work with they can relocate or plan the route in a different area. They can also choose different materials to be sure the road works well on any material. Construction companies either hire a geologist company or have one on staff to read and interpret the information for planning.

One of the features provided is the location of groundwater. Desert areas especially need this information in order to locate aquifers and dig wells to provide water to a small community or individual landowner. In cases where there is a lot of water, construction companies need to know where the water table rises to avoid building in unstable areas.

Landfills need to be located in areas where the runoff will not affect local water supplies. By using the survey, they can build these far away people and communities where any toxic leaks would enter the water supply. Showering in and drinking toxic water is dangerous and this helps prevent that situation from happening.

Earthquake zones are another use for these maps. Since the underground fissures can be located here the ability for scientists to figure out where the tectonic plates are located is a primary use. They can also determine how much movement has happened in the past in order to predict possible damages in the future.

Coal, copper, and other mining companies use the data to help determine where and what to mine. They can also find ways to mine in a safe and environmentally clean way by creating systems to avoid chemicals flowing to a local river or water supply by using the data to locate the aquifers and water sources for communities nearby.

Lumber companies are able to use the surveys to determine the best places to fell trees for use in lumber and paper products. With this information, they can also make plans for replacing the trees with new growth to create a sustainable environment.

There are many uses for this data with federal, state, and local governments. The planners for these levels can work with utility companies to plan routes and depths for buried cables, sewage systems, and underground cable placement. These systems all provide needed services to consumers to be able to enjoy their daily lives.

Most people are used to reading everyday travel maps. For those that are working to grow and improve the world around us by providing city services, safe construction, and mining, these surveys are very important.




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