Issue link: https://resources.esri.ca/i/734424
Challenge One of the greatest challenges involved with mapping vast areas of land is completing projects both on time and on budget. Travel costs alone can be exponential. Additionally, geological mapping is a complicated process that extends well beyond compiling data: geologists must assume the role of detective to piece together a land's geological history based on limited information. Due to the high costs associated with geological mapping, scientists must collect samples both efficiently and judiciously. To guide data collection, scientists would historically rely on airphotos which lacked detailed information such as subsurface data required for targeted operations. Once in the field, geological features would be sketched and measured on basemaps and later interpreted back at the office, leading to potential inaccuracies. Furthermore, valuable data that was not symbolized on the final map product could often be lost along the way. To introduce a more efficient and streamlined data collection process, the Geological Map Flow (GMF) was created under the GEM program. It leverages innovative technology including mobile GIS to standardize the process of data collection across provinces and territories. It also supports the creation of publicly available, data rich digital archives. GIS-based geological mapping supports sustainable land use and private sector investment To bolster private exploration investment and guide sustainable land use decisions in Canada's north, the federal government is investing $100 million in a Geo-mapping for Energy Minerals (GEM) program. This program seeks to fill in critical geoscience information gaps; however, collecting this data across vast areas such as Nunavut and the Northwest Territories is both costly and complex. In response, NRCan leveraged GIS to develop an innovative Geological Map Flow (GMF) that streamlines and semi- automates geological mapping along with the management and dissemination of collected data. 1 Esri Canada | Mapping Canada's North with GIS Geological Sur vey of Canada, NRCan, 2012 Geological Sur vey of Canada, NRCan, 2012