A geological survey is the systematic investigation of the

geology Geology () is a branch of natural science concerned with Earth and other astronomical objects, the features or rocks of which it is composed, and the processes by which they change over time. Modern geology significantly overlaps all other Ear ...

beneath a given piece of ground for the purpose of creating a

geological map A geologic map or geological map is a special-purpose map made to show various geological features. Rock units or geologic strata are shown by color or symbols. Bedding planes and structural features such as faults, folds, are shown with st ...

or model. Geological surveying employs techniques from the traditional walk-over survey, studying outcrops and

landforms A landform is a natural or anthropogenic land feature on the solid surface of the Earth or other planetary body. Landforms together make up a given terrain, and their arrangement in the landscape is known as topography. Landforms include hills, m ...

, to intrusive methods, such as hand augering and machine-driven boreholes, to the use of geophysical techniques and

remote sensing Remote sensing is the acquisition of information about an object or phenomenon without making physical contact with the object, in contrast to in situ or on-site observation. The term is applied especially to acquiring information about Earth ...

methods, such as aerial photography and

satellite imagery Satellite images (also Earth observation imagery, spaceborne photography, or simply satellite photo) are images of Earth collected by imaging satellites operated by governments and businesses around the world. Satellite imaging companies sell ima ...

. Such surveys may be undertaken by state, province, or national geological survey organizations to maintain the geological

inventory Inventory (American English) or stock (British English) refers to the goods and materials that a business holds for the ultimate goal of resale, production or utilisation. Inventory management is a discipline primarily about specifying the shap ...

and advance the knowledge of

geosciences Earth science or geoscience includes all fields of natural science related to the planet Earth. This is a branch of science dealing with the physical, chemical, and biological complex constitutions and synergistic linkages of Earth's four spheres ...

for the benefit of the nation. A geological survey map typically superimposes the surveyed extent and boundaries of geological units on a topographic map, together with information at points (such as measurements of orientation of bedding planes) and lines (such as the intersection of faults with the land surface). The maps and reports created by geological survey organisations generally aim for geographic continuity and completeness in establishing the spatial patterns of near-surface rock units. The map may include cross sections to illustrate the three-dimensional interpretation. Subsurface geological and geophysical maps, providing limited coverage of deeper geology (known, for example, from drilling for oil or gas), are maintained internally by major oil companies and regulators. Some geological survey organisations have collaborated with them to include subsurface geology in their systematic surveys, for example, th
Geological Atlas of the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin
Subsurface maps typically depict the three-dimensional form of geological surfaces by means of contours and cross sections. Computer-based models are increasingly used to provide more comprehensive information storage and greater flexibility of presentation. In the United States, the 50 state surveys are coordinated by the

Association of American State Geologists Association may refer to: *Club (organization), an association of two or more people united by a common interest or goal *Trade association, an organization founded and funded by businesses that operate in a specific industry *Voluntary associatio ...

. Some examples of national geological surveys are: *

British Geological Survey The British Geological Survey (BGS) is a partly publicly funded body which aims to advance geoscientific knowledge of the United Kingdom landmass and its continental shelf by means of systematic surveying, monitoring and research. The BGS h ...

(BGS) *

Bureau de Recherches Géologiques et Minières Bureau ( ) may refer to: Agencies and organizations * Government agency *Public administration * News bureau, an office for gathering or distributing news, generally for a given geographical location * Bureau (European Parliament), the administra ...

(BRGM) *

Central Geological Survey The Central Geological Survey (CGS; ) is the government agency of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (Taiwan), Ministry of Economic Affairs of the Taiwan, Taiwan (ROC) responsible for geological surveys and geoscience research. History The CGS was ...

(Taiwan) * China Geological Survey *

Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources The Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (Bundesanstalt für Geowissenschaften und Rohstoffe or BGR) is a German agency within the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology. It acts as a central geoscience consulting institu ...

(BGR, Germany) *

Geological and Mining Institute of Spain The Geological and Mining Institute of Spain (Spanish: ''Instituto Geológico y Minero de España'') is a research institute located in Madrid, Spain. It is run under the auspices of the Ministry of Science. In collaboration with the Spanish Geol ...

Geological Survey of Austria The Geological Survey of Austria (german: Geologische Bundesanstalt, GBA) in Vienna is a subordinate agency of the Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research and is the central point for information and advice in the field of earth scienc ...

* Geological Survey of Canada * Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland * Geological Survey of Finland * Geological Survey of India * Geological Survey of Ireland * Geological Survey of Norway *

Geological Survey of Pakistan Geological Survey of Pakistan (GSP) is an independent executive scientific agency to explore the natural resources of Pakistan. Main tasks GSP perform are Geological, Geophysical and Geo-chemical Mapping of Pakistan. Target of these mapping are res ...

* Geological Survey of Slovenia * Geological Survey of Sweden * Geoscience Australia * Saudi Geological Survey *

Swisstopo Swisstopo is the official name for the Swiss Federal Office of Topography (in German language, German: ''Bundesamt für Landestopografie''; French language, French: ''Office fédéral de topographie''; Italian language, Italian: ''Ufficio fed ...

(Switzerland) *

United States Geological Survey The United States Geological Survey (USGS), formerly simply known as the Geological Survey, is a scientific agency of the United States government. The scientists of the USGS study the landscape of the United States, its natural resources, ...

(USGS) Individual states or provinces may also have a geological survey. Examples include: * Alberta Geological Survey (Canada) *

California Geological Survey The California Geological Survey, previously known as the California Division of Mines and Geology, is the California state geology, geologic agency. History Although it was not until 1880 that the California State Mining Bureau, predecessor to ...

(USA) *

Delaware Geological Survey The Delaware Geological Survey (DGS) is a scientific agency for the State of Delaware, located at the University of Delaware (UD) which conducts geologic and hydrologic research, service, and exploration. The mission of the DGS is to provide objec ...

(USA) *

Geological Survey of Newfoundland and Labrador The Geological Survey of Newfoundland and Labrador is a scientific research agency that is part of the Department of Natural Resources of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. It is the agency responsible for performing Geology, geological ...

(Canada) *

Geological Survey of Queensland The Geological Survey of Queensland (GSQ) is the Australian state of Queensland's government body responsible for the management of geoscience knowledge. It is a unit within the Government of Queensland's Department of Natural Resources, Mines and ...

(Australia) *

Pennsylvania Geological Survey The Pennsylvania Geological Survey or Bureau of Topographic and Geologic Survey (BTGS), is a geological survey enacted by the Pennsylvania General Assembly "to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania by collecting, preserving, and disseminating impartial ...

(USA) *

Utah Geological Survey The Utah Geological Survey is based in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States. It also has an office in Cedar City, Utah. It is a division of the

(USA)

External links

International list of country geological surveys
Geological techniques {{geology-stub

See also

External links