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.
Landfills need to be located in areas where the runoff will not affect local water supplies. By using the survey, they can build these far away people and communities where any toxic leaks would enter the water supply. Showering in and drinking toxic water is dangerous and this helps prevent that situation from happening.
Earthquake zones are another use for these maps. Since the underground fissures can be located here the ability for scientists to figure out where the tectonic plates are located is a primary use. They can also determine how much movement has happened in the past in order to predict possible damages in the future.
Coal, copper, and other mining companies use the data to help determine where and what to mine. They can also find ways to mine in a safe and environmentally clean way by creating systems to avoid chemicals flowing to a local river or water supply by using the data to locate the aquifers and water sources for communities nearby.
Lumber companies are able to use the surveys to determine the best places to fell trees for use in lumber and paper products. With this information, they can also make plans for replacing the trees with new growth to create a sustainable environment.
Local, state, and federal governments are able to use the information provided to work on plans for underground utility lines, sewage systems, and a number of other services that are buried for a city or larger area. By reading the information and planning appropriately they can avoid future disaster by building in the right place and the right ways to ensure safety is a priority.
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.
Landfills need to be located in areas where the runoff will not affect local water supplies. By using the survey, they can build these far away people and communities where any toxic leaks would enter the water supply. Showering in and drinking toxic water is dangerous and this helps prevent that situation from happening.
Earthquake zones are another use for these maps. Since the underground fissures can be located here the ability for scientists to figure out where the tectonic plates are located is a primary use. They can also determine how much movement has happened in the past in order to predict possible damages in the future.
Coal, copper, and other mining companies use the data to help determine where and what to mine. They can also find ways to mine in a safe and environmentally clean way by creating systems to avoid chemicals flowing to a local river or water supply by using the data to locate the aquifers and water sources for communities nearby.
Lumber companies are able to use the surveys to determine the best places to fell trees for use in lumber and paper products. With this information, they can also make plans for replacing the trees with new growth to create a sustainable environment.
Local, state, and federal governments are able to use the information provided to work on plans for underground utility lines, sewage systems, and a number of other services that are buried for a city or larger area. By reading the information and planning appropriately they can avoid future disaster by building in the right place and the right ways to ensure safety is a priority.
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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