Most people are familiar with the maps used to plan trips and figure out distances between cities. These are usually limited in their information but are useful. There is another type, called a geologic map, that is used every day for other more in-depth purposes such as planning for construction of roads, city planning, and mining. The information in these shows where there are rock and other formations on and below the surface. These are used by landowners, mining and construction companies, and governments of all levels.
Building a highway requires a geological survey in order to understand the land the road will be built upon. Without this information, the road would easily fall apart, crack, or buckle due to shifting rock or sandy areas that were not understood prior to construction. Major construction companies often hire or have a geologist on staff to read the maps and adjust the trajectory or type of materials needed for a long lasting road.
Groundwater is found below the surface. In communities and homes that are going to be located in desert areas, the survey provides information on where the aquifers are located so they can dig a well or plan accordingly. For the more wet zones, they are looking for how high the water table is in order to determine the best way and location for construction to avoid sinking or ground floor flooding.
Planning a location for a landfill is critical in many ways. The information from a geological survey helps with the location of a landfill to be sure any toxic runoff cannot enter a local water supply. This would be dangerous for people living in the area.
Locating tectonic plates is part of the building and planning process. Not only can a state help plan for safe building, but they can also avoid situations altogether by refusing permits for drilling and blasting in a zone that would cause earthquakes. They can also see changes over time and predict possible earthquakes in the future.
Mineral mining was greatly improved by using these systems. Companies are able to locate the minerals by depth and area to determine the best and safest mining procedures. They can also come close to determining how much might be available and whether or not mining would be worth it.
Timber companies also benefited by being able to use the surveys generated for the maps to get a count of the trees in an area. From here, they can produce the lumber, paper, and other products we use daily. With the soil and ground information, they are also able to work with environmental concerns to regrow and replace the trees that have been used for everyone's benefit.
Governments from the local to the federal level use the data for planning. Road construction usually requires this information. Local and state governments use the data to plan utility pipes, underground lines, and sewage systems to provide the services needed to a community.
Maps are something that everyone is familiar with. However, many are unaware of what or how geological surveys and maps are used to benefit our lives by construction companies and governments. Every day this data is used for consumer and environmental protection.
Building a highway requires a geological survey in order to understand the land the road will be built upon. Without this information, the road would easily fall apart, crack, or buckle due to shifting rock or sandy areas that were not understood prior to construction. Major construction companies often hire or have a geologist on staff to read the maps and adjust the trajectory or type of materials needed for a long lasting road.
Groundwater is found below the surface. In communities and homes that are going to be located in desert areas, the survey provides information on where the aquifers are located so they can dig a well or plan accordingly. For the more wet zones, they are looking for how high the water table is in order to determine the best way and location for construction to avoid sinking or ground floor flooding.
Planning a location for a landfill is critical in many ways. The information from a geological survey helps with the location of a landfill to be sure any toxic runoff cannot enter a local water supply. This would be dangerous for people living in the area.
Locating tectonic plates is part of the building and planning process. Not only can a state help plan for safe building, but they can also avoid situations altogether by refusing permits for drilling and blasting in a zone that would cause earthquakes. They can also see changes over time and predict possible earthquakes in the future.
Mineral mining was greatly improved by using these systems. Companies are able to locate the minerals by depth and area to determine the best and safest mining procedures. They can also come close to determining how much might be available and whether or not mining would be worth it.
Timber companies also benefited by being able to use the surveys generated for the maps to get a count of the trees in an area. From here, they can produce the lumber, paper, and other products we use daily. With the soil and ground information, they are also able to work with environmental concerns to regrow and replace the trees that have been used for everyone's benefit.
Governments from the local to the federal level use the data for planning. Road construction usually requires this information. Local and state governments use the data to plan utility pipes, underground lines, and sewage systems to provide the services needed to a community.
Maps are something that everyone is familiar with. However, many are unaware of what or how geological surveys and maps are used to benefit our lives by construction companies and governments. Every day this data is used for consumer and environmental protection.
About the Author:
This worthwhile website has step by step instructions on how to use a geologic map. Simply use the following link to reach the home page at http://www.3dgeologicmapping.com/about.
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