Abstract

Geologic mapping is one of the thematic mapping which relies most on symbology to communicate its content. An accurate chosen color scale is critical for an effective visual perception of the stratigraphic relationships of the mapped units. Different line styles communicate the type of contact between units and also de different types of linear features which can be represented as a line at a given scale. Lastly, point units indicate localized features, as for example a peak or a pit. Modern geologic mapping is mostly crafted in Geographic Information System (GIS) which provide also real-time visualization, rendering and printing capabilities. It is thus important to have symbol libraries to properly describe in GIS the wide range of information that can be included in a geologic map. As of today, no specific digital format standards for geologic symbology are available and every GIS package relies on different implementations.