GIS Tools For Digital Field Geology: from paper to PDA Dr. Ben Crosby, ISU, Department of Geosciences

Traditional Geologic Mapping Traditional Analog Tools Are: Durable Light weight Easy and fast to learn/teach No batteries (easier field logistics) Inexpensive (to obtain or replace)

Digital Geologic Mapping: given the benefits of traditional methods, why go digital? Increasing demand for space exploration tools (read: funding) Technology is ready to be applied, active development Visualization of multiple layers of data in the field = better mapping: Multi-band satellite imagery High resolution aerial photos Climate or vegetation data Geophysical data Gravity or magnetometer Seismic data Previous geologic maps Demand from employers/industry

Digital Geologic Mapping: given the benefits of traditional methods, why go digital? Integrate data in single source (sensors) (photos, laser rangefinder, chemical) Rapid transition from data collection to map production (past hurdle) (no data entry or digitizing) Accurate location using GPS Real-time visualization of collected data

Idaho State University! Bowling Green State University University of California at Berkeley Massachusetts Institute of Technology Texas A&M Arizona State University University of Kansas University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire and MANY, MANY others Who’s on the bandwagon? Some words of caution: mixing students with immature/buggy technology detracts from learning geology equipment is expensive, heavy and easily broken compared to paper, screens are small and often difficult to read in sunlight batteries run out, computers crash and data is lost BUT, there is huge potential for the future (this is the future)

So what’s the potential? Full integration of all (modern and traditional) tools for collecting geologic field data digital compass digital camera sensors for chemical composition distance measurement devices hardward gets better every month (smaller, lighter, more durable and readable) wireless communication with base camp and other geologists (base station and rover concept: observe other maps evolve)

What are the tools available? Right now, not a lot Straight-up ArcPad Custom scripts running within ArcPad Custom Scripts running within ArcGIS Independent software

An Example: Mapsmith (MIT) An ArcPad extension with a suite of editing and text tools that integrate with GPS for the collection of point data. (Essentially a Digital Field book with some coarse mapping tools)

Digital Field Surveying Tools for Geomorphology Wireless GPS Receiver GIS-Enabled Handheld Computer Compass-Equipped Laser Rangefinder = collect and visualize 3D data in real-time!

Ash Deposits Terrace Gravels Bedrock Channel and Valley Width Channel Depth Terrace Heights, Fill thicknesses Sediment Size, Character, Lithology Bedrock Orientation, etc…

Yellow dots are stations from laser surveys of channel profiles from km of the mainstem and ~18 km of tributaries (n = 13) were surveyed in the Waihuka Yellow dots are stations from laser surveys of channel profiles from km of the mainstem and ~18 km of tributaries (n = 13) were surveyed in the Waihuka Perihohonu fan.

Knickpoint Ash Deposits Terrace Gravels Bedrock (m)

Everyone else is doing it, so why can’t we? There are a number of shortfalls/difficulties/technical reasons why What resources are there?

McGuire et al., 2005