An integrated digital workflow for geological field surveying

The digital capture of geological data in the field is not a new idea. However, it is only recently that hardware and software have become available that meet BGS requirements to a sufficient degree. The combination of hard and software used in this trial is one of several that are being tested in mapping domains in the UK and overseas (Jordan et al., 2002). This report describes the relative merits of this system in comparison with ‘traditional’ or manual mapping techniques.
The work was carried out during November 2002 on the northern flanks of the Cairngorm Mountains, intended to replicate typical geological surveying in an upland glaciated terrain. The methodology adopted at the outset was modified as required during the field trial, in order to find the most effective use of the equipment. However, the trial was not only an assessment of hardware and software functionality, but also of the practicalities of an integrated digital, rather than manual, methodology.
Collaborative efforts with members of Murchison House Cartographic Services have shown that this methodology does indeed work, and that a fully digital workflow is entirely possible. The system described here is, in addition, recognised as a considerable improvement on the last trial carried out by the author in 2001.