COLLEGE OF BASIC AND APPLIED SCIENCES

DEPARTMENT OF GEOSCIENCES
Mountain Top University

Kilometre 12, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, MFM

Prayer City, Ogun State.

PHONE: (+234)8053457707, (+234)7039395024,

(+234) 8039505596

EMAIL: support@mtu.edu.ng

Website: www.mtu.edu.ng.

Published By: Mountain Top University

COURSE GUIDE
COURSE TITLE: Geological Map Interpretation and Field Mapping

COURSE CODE: GLY 203

LECTURER: AKINMOSIN, A (PhD)

COURSE CONTENT
nterpretation and simple geological maps.
Introduction
 Types of map
 Topographic and geological maps
 Uses of Geological map
 Scale and types
 Conventional signs and symbols
Section drawing
 Types
- Horizontal beds
- Inclined beds
- Vertical beds
- Map completion
Writing of geological history

Field techniques.

 Introduction
 Practical – recording of geological features and base maps.
 Mapping of rock outcrops and rock structures
 Drawing of geological map and cross section
 Writing of geological report

COURSE OBJECTIVES
GENERAL INTORDUCTION AND COURSE OBJECTIVES

Map interpretation and field techniques are the hallmarks of a well-trained geoscientis
Consequently, this course is aimed at introducing the students to basic principles of generatin
imple geological map of an area as well as interpreting already published maps of different area
The course essentially a practical course which is expected to form bedrock on which other geologic
field exercise is based. Objectives of the course among other things are:

. Identification of basic features of topographical map

 . Location of oneself on topo map with use of landmarks and other equipment like GPS, compas
clinometer etc.
i. Identification and mapping of rock outcrops/exposures and associated structures
v. Generation of simple geological map of mapped area
v. Interpretation of geological map

COURSE CONTENT PAGE

Introduction
Lecture 1: Types of map and uses
Lecture 2: Scale, Conventional signs and symbols

Section drawing
Lecture 3:- Horizontal beds
Lecture 4: - Inclined beds
Lecture 5: - Vertical beds
Lecture 6: - Folded beds
Lecture 7: - Faulted beds
Lecture 8: - Completion of outcrop
Lecture 9: Writing of geological history

Field techniques.
Lecture 10: Preparatory Briefing- what are expected to be seen on the field
Lecture 11: (While on the field):
- Practical – recording of geological features and base maps.
- Mapping of rock outcrops and rock structures
- Drawing of geological map and cross section
- Writing of geological report

LECTURE ONE
1.0: Types of map and uses of Geological map
Introduction: this lecture is aimed at introducing the students to different types of map being
used in geosciences or related disciplines.
Expectations: at the end of the lecture, students are expected to among other things to be
able to:

i. Describe what a map is.

ii. Able to identify various types of map
iii. Identify peculiar features of each type of maps
iv. Differentiate geological map from topographical map

1.1: What is a Map?

Definition

i. Topographical map: map of an area bearing essentially features such as: relief, drainage
system, vegetation, road network, rail network, worship places, landmark points etc., (se
Fig. 1).
ii. Geological map: an offshoot of topographical map which shows essentially rock
distribution and rock boundary of a place, (see Fig. 2).

In both cases, they represent a larger portion of the earth system that has been compressed
with the use of scale.
Fig. 1: Sample of Topographical map
 Sample of Geological map of Nigeria, showing distribution of Basement Complex rocks
and Sedimentary Basins (Oyawoye, 1972).

USES OF MAPS.
The various maps earlier mentioned above have the following uses:

(i) Bring out at a glance various geographical elements;

(ii) Bring out the relationships amongst geographical elements;

(iii) For investigation and exploration of resources;

(iv) For planning, optimal utilization and development of resources;

(v) For seeing many dimensions of a region at one time, thus helping in regional planning.

LECTURE 2. SCALE, CONVENTIONAL SIGNS AND SYMBOLS.

Introduction: the lecture is aimed at introducing students to basic map features that will aid
them in mapping reading and interpretation.
Objectives:
o To understand various types of scale and how they can be used appropriately
o To be able to identify various signs and symbols on a map and how they can be applied.
Scale:
The scale indicates the proportion which, a distance between two points on a map bears to th
distance between the corresponding points on the actual ground. For instance, if an actu
distance of 5 miles is represented on the map by a distance of 1 inch, the scale is 1″—5 miles.
Selection of a scale primarily depends on (1) the size of area to be mapped (2) the extent
details to be shown, (3) the size of the paper.

Representation of a Scale:

There are three ways in which the scale is depicted on the map.

1. By such a statement as “3 inches to the mile” or “1/3 mile to the inch”.

2. By graphic scale in which a straight line is divided into a number of equal parts and is marke
to show what these divisions represent on actual ground.

3. By a Representative Fraction. This expresses the proportion of the scale by a fraction

which the numerator is one and the denominator also in the same unit of length. For example,
the Representative Fraction is stated to be 1/100,000 or 1: 100,000, this means that one unit o
the map represents 100,000 of the same unit on ground.

Map Signs and Symbols

Since a map is a reduced representation of the real world, map symbols are used to
represent real objects. Without symbols, we wouldn't have maps.

Both shapes and colors can be used for symbols on maps. A small circle may mean a point of
interest, with a brown circle meaning recreation, red circle meaning services, and green
circle meaning rest stop. Colors may cover larger areas of a map, such as green representing
forested land and blue representing waterways.

To ensure that a person can correctly read a map, a Map Legend is a key to all the symbols
used on a map. It is like a dictionary so you can understand the meaning of what the map
represents.

Here are some common symbols:

TOPOGRAPHIC CONTOURS

(land elevation)
Index
number written on line
Intermediate
between Index lines
Supplementary
added to flat areas to show measurements
Depression
such as volcano top or crater
(little dashes are called hachures)
Cut; Fill
roadway leveling terrain

VEGETATION
Woodland
trees at least 6feet tall
Scrub
low brush
Orchard
planted vegetation
Vineyard
cultivated vines
Mangrove
dense, tropical trees

SURFACE FEATURES
Levee

Sand or mud area, dunes or shifting sand

Intricate surface area

Gravel beach or glacial moraine

Tailings pond

MINES AND CAVES

Quarry or open pit mine

Gravel, sand, clay, or borrow pit

Mine tunnel or cave entrance

Prospect; mine shaft

Mine dump

Mine tailings
GLACIERS AND PERMANENT SNOWFIELDS
Limit
blue denotes coverage
Form lines
Show shape, not elevation

BUILDINGS AND RELATED FEATURES

Building

School; church

Built-up Area

Racetrack

Airport

Landing strip

Well (other than water); windmill

Tanks

Covered reservoir

Gaging station

Landmark object (feature as labeled)

Campground; picnic area

Cemetery: small; large

ROADS AND RELATED FEATURES

Primary highway

Secondary highway

Light duty road

Unimproved road
Trail

Dual highway

Dual highway with median strip

Road under construction

Underpass; overpass

Bridge

Drawbridge

Tunnel

RAILROADS AND RELATED FEATURES

Standard gauge single track; station

Standard gauge multiple track

Abandoned

Under construction

Narrow gauge single track

Narrow gauge multiple track

Railroad in street

Juxtaposition

Roundhouse and turntable

TRANSMISSION LINES AND PIPELINES

Power transmission line: pole; tower

Telephone line

Aboveground oil or gas pipeline

Underground oil or gas pipeline

BOUNDARIES
National

State or territorial

County

Civil township

Incorporated city

Park, reservation, or monument

Small Park

LAND SURVEY SYSTEMS

U.S. Public Land Survey System
Township or range line

Section Line

Found section corner; found closing corner

Witness corner; meander corner

Other land surveys

Township or range line

Section line

Land grant or mining claim; monument

Fence line

CONTROL DATA AND MONUMENTS

Horizontal control
Third order or better, permanent mark

With third order or better elevation

Check spot elevation

Coincident with section corner

Unmonumented*

Vertical control
Third order or better, with tablet

Third order or better, recoverable mark

Bench mark found at section corner

Spot elevation

Boundary monument
With tablet

Without tablet

With number and elevation

U.S. mineral or location monument

RIVERS, LAKES, AND CANALS

Intermittent stream

Intermittent river

Disappearing stream

Perennial stream

Perennial river

Small falls; small rapids

Large falls; large rapids

Masonry dam

Dam with rock

Dam carrying road

Perennial lake; Intermittent lake or pond

Dry lake

Narrow wash

Wide wash

Canal, flume, or aquaduct with lock

Elevated aquaduct, flume or conduit

Aquaduct tunnel

Well or spring; spring or seep

SUBMERGED AREAS AND BOGS

Marsh or swamp

Submerged marsh or swamp

Wooded marsh or swamp

Submerged wooded marsh or swamp

Rice field

Land subject to inundation

MARINE SHORELINE
Approximate mean high water

Indefinite or unsurveyed

BATHYMETRIC FEATURES

(water depth)
 Area exposed at mean low tide; sounding datum

Channel

Offshore oil or gas: well; platform

Sunken rock

BATHYMETRIC CONTOURS
Index

Intermediate

Supplementary

Source: http://www.compassdude.com/map-symbols.php
LECTURE 3: SECTION DRAWING.
Introduction: the hallmark of any geological map interpretation is the ability of a
student being able to draw geological cross section and make vivid geological
history of the mapped area. This aspect of the course is therefore intends to train
students on the basic techniques required to do so.
Section drawing is an aspect of map interpretation which involves unveiling the
relationship of rock units to one another within the subsurface or at the surface
when exposed. In other word, it shows the arrangement of rock units at the
subsurface or at the when exposed.
Cross section drawing for rocks covers both crystalline and sedimentary rocks.
However at this level, attention will be focused on sedimentary rocks. At higher
levels, students will be introduced to advanced map interpretation under which
crystalline rocks will be treated.
In order to carry out section drawing of any geological mapped area, the first
approach is to draw the topographical profile of the place. The procedure involved i
enumerated in our working manual pages 16 and 20.

Objectives: after these lectures, students are expected to have among other things
being able to:
o Draw and describe the geology of an area with horizontally laid beds
o Draw and described the geology of an area with deformed beds.

Horizontal Beds.
When sediments are deposited, they become compacted over time as a result of overburden.
As time passes by, and with more sedimentary supplies, more of such layers (depending on th
type of sediments deposited) are formed. They are several stratigraphical principles that guide
deposition of sediments. Such is the principle of superposition. It states that “in an undisturbed
setting, the lowermost bed is other than the overlain ones” in Figure 5a of our working manua
the bedding plane between the limestone and shale is horizontal. It is the same height above
the sea level which tallies with the definition of a contour. They are therefore horizontal.
The steps involved in section drawing of horizontal layers are enumerated in our working
manual page 37. Students are to follow as the lecturer demonstrate this in the class.

LECTURE 4: DEFORMED BEDS.

Introduction: When horizontally laid beds are subjected to earth movement or tectonism, such
beds are bound to be deformed. Deformation of such could be in form of inclination/tilting,
faulting, or folding.

Inclined and Vertical Layers-

In inclined beds just as it is applicable to other deformed beds, the bedding plane between the
rock units there won’t be horizontal. Their heights above the sea level won’t tally with the
definition of a contour. They are therefore not horizontal.
To draw the cross section of such inclined or vertical layers will require special expertise other
than the one required for horizontally laid beds.
The procedures involved here are enumerated in our working manual page 40. Students are to
follow as the lecturer demonstrates the procedures in the classroom.

LECTURES 5 & 6: FOLDED AND FAULTED BEDS.

As mentioned in the previous lectures, when horizontal beds are deformed, there tends to be
discordance in the relationship between the contour lines and bedding planes. For folded or
faulted beds, it will require more expertise over inclined and vertical beds in order to draw the
cross sections.
Details of the procedures required are enumerated on pages 69 and 81 of our working manual
Students are to follow as the lecturer demonstrates these in the classroom.

LECTURE 7: COMPLETION OUTCROP.

Introduction: One of the commonest problems usually encountered in mapping deals with
completion of boundaries of rock formations from partial outcrops. Application of structure
contours or strike lines is of the opinion that these rock units have the same values of strike an
dip.
The techniques required to carry out completion of outcrop of formation boundaries on the ma
where partial information are given are enumerated on pages 89 and 90 of our working manua
Students are to follow as the lecturer demonstrates these procedures in the classroom.

FIELD TECHNIQUES.
LECTURE 8: PREPARATORY LECTURE
Introduction: Understanding of earth systems and our environment over a geological period is
dependent on both experiences gained from field work exercise and reliable data and
appropriate samples that are collected in the field.
Objectives: the main goal of field work is to acquire the basic and fundamental geological field
skill of mapping. The course emphases basic skills that is requisite for good field mapping.
This preparatory lecture is geared towards briefing the students on the under listed before
departure to the field.
i. General over view of what the course is all about.
ii. Safety measures to be taking while on the field.
iii. Rules guiding field mapping.
LECTURE 9: MAPPING TECHNIQUES ON THE FIELD.
This lecture involves practical demonstration of what students are suppose to do while in the
field. This demonstration includes the following:
i. How to locate yourself in the field.
ii. How to make essential field observations and taking measurements:
o Use of compass to navigate
o Use of clinometer to measure strike and dip
o Recording of observations correctly on a base map
o Recognition of main classes of rocks- igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary
o Recognition of main geological structures- folds, faults, unconformity etc.
iii. How to keep accurate field records:
o Keeping map and field note books up to date
o Making appropriate field diagrams drawn to scale
o Construction of geological logs/profiles through sedimentary sequence
iv. How to generate and draw appropriate geological map
v. How to draw geological cross section of the generated geological map
vi. How to write appropriate geological field report

Essentially, a good geological report should have following sub-headings:

i. Abstract
ii. Introduction
iii. Lithological units
iv. Structures
v. Geological history
vi. Conclusions
vii. References.

RECOMMENED TEXTBOOKS
1. Geological maps and their interpretation by E.A. Fayose, ISBN: 978-978-916-521-8.
Published by Lighthouse Publishers LTD.
2. Geological Maps: Their Solution and Interpretation by T. Bolton, ISBN: 0 521 36158 3.
Published by Cambridge University Press.
3. Geological field techniques by Angela L. Coe, ISBN-13: 978—1444330625. Published b
Wiley Blackwell.