Digital Geological Survey & Mapping

GRL are leaders in digital geological survey and mapping. New technologies allow us to capture georeferenced data accurately from the very first step of the mapping workflow. So not only are our maps highly cost-effective to produce, they also have high geospatial precision.

Digital mapping is not a secondary process that simply involves digitalisation of old paper-based data of unknown quality - it's a rapidly developing methodology builtaround the primary acquisition of geospatially referenced data in digital format in the field!

In collaboration with colleagues in the Reactivation Research Group at Durham, we have developed a variety of integrated workflows that are streamlined to tackle digital geological survey and mapping at a range of different scales. Common to all our methods is that primary geological data is captured digitally, and an appropriate level of geospatial precision is maintained throughout the mapping process, from data acquisition to final cartographic product. Geospatial precision is increased and spatial uncertainty can be quantified.

High precision digital geological survey and mapping are key components of our workflows to build virtual outcrop models for use as reservoir analogues.

(click to enlarge image)

Terrestrial Laser Scanning (Lidar)

Laser scanners are an effective way of capturing very large amount of data from the surface of an outcrop. Surface data is recorded as a point cloud with sub-cm precision. Point spacing is typically just a few centimetres. More sophisticated scanners can automatically render coloured point clouds to give a highly accurate image of an outcrop. After data acquisition, the point cloud can be meshed and draped with a high resolution digital photo to produce the basis of a detailed virtual outcrop model.

(left: high res true-colour lidar point cloud)

(right: Riegl LMS-Z420i scanner, Arkitsa Fault, Greece)

Digital survey with centimetre precision

Real-time kinematic GPS equipment provides extremely rapid spatial measurements with centimetre (or sub-cm) precision. This makes RTK GPS one of our main technologies for detailed surveys, and is also a key element in the construction of virtual outcrop models when high-resolution is needed.

We are currently using RTK survey to gather detailed 3D spatial data from sub-seismic scale fault arrays and fold structures. This is providing data with unprecedented detail as input to on-going research into structural processes.

(left: RTK survey of fractures in Jurassic carbonates)

(right: fold data gathered using RTK GPS. Plot shows variation in curvature. Fold wavelength ca.20m)

digital mapping

Regional/Recce Digital mapping

For regional and recconaissance mapping we use highly portable hand-held computers (PDA's or tablet PC's), and small GPS units that slip easily into a pocket. Spacial precision is more than adequate for most regional mapping at scales of 1:10,000 or smaller. Map information is acquired digitally in GIS format, and stored on the PDA with geological observational data. All data can be backed up on separate flash cards at least once a day (no risk of losing a paper notebook with all data from a whole season!). Back at base camp the day's data is merged with the whole project using GIS on a laptop. Quick and cost-effective!

(left: regional digital mapping with hand-held GPS & PDA)

(right: PDA in waterproof case & Garmin Geko GPS)

Other services: Reservoir Analogues Tectonic Synthesis 3D Visualisation