Geological reasoning and the solid Earth systems model

Geological maps record conclusions from an interpretation based on observations, guided by (and testing) an understanding (important in its own right) of the likely evolution of historical configurations of systems of multi-resolution objects, processes and events in the solid Earth. Techniques based on digital mapping have led to more flexible presentations and to three-dimensional spatial models. We suggest that the techniques could be augmented and structured to assist geological survey organisations in recording the reasoning behind the interpretation – creating and maintaining an interoperable component of a more comprehensive model of solid Earth systems, with maps seen as illustrative visualisations rather than the end-product.