Geologic Maps: A Practical Guide to the Preparation And Interpretation of Geologic Maps

The ability to interpret geologic maps is a necessary skill for anyone interested in the surface and shallow subsurface of the earth. They show students of earth materials and structural geology how surficial materials and bedrock are distributed and configured in three dimensions. Those interested in natural hazards can use them to deduce fault locations. They reveal excavation problems and locations of natural resources to civil and environmental engineers and land-use planners. Historical geologists and geomorphologists gain valuable insight from the clues that maps provide about the natural processes that shape an area. Geologic Maps serves all of those disciplines in addition to students in map interpretation and field geology courses. Spencer brings over 45 years of teaching experience to his step-by-step approach. He guides readers through the basics of map projections and content before discussing map interpretation using exercises taken from published geologic maps. He follows that with a presentation of geologic map preparation, giving map interpreters an appreciation of the level of precision represented by the data on geologic maps. Because of their widespread use in mapping, a short discussion of the use and interpretation of aerial photographs also is included.

"This text will supplement field experience in my field methods course. I really like the color geologic maps and always appreciate an inexpensive text for my students as they have many to buy each semester. I feel the text covers many important topics clearly and concisely, and is well written with well-thought-out illustrations." -- Abigail Semple, Black Hills State University