Creating a Geologic Map
Step 1. Obtain the raster of the map to be digitized
● We will use a scanned copy of a geologic map from the Mines and Geosciences
Bureau (MGB) for this use case.
● Copies of these geologic maps can be obtained from:
○ The MGB (for a price) if the map is not present in the laboratory repository
○ Borrowed from the laboratory repository if they are present
○ Adapted from existing literature
○ A combination of the above method
Step 2. Georeference the map
● Georeferencing can be done through the Global Mapper Program
● Input the image file of the map into the program
● When inputted, a prompt will appear
● Select “Manually Rectify Image”
● Another window will appear titled “Image Rectifier”
● From here, you will need to assign the coordinates listed on the corners of the map to
a point on the image rectifier
○ For some maps, you will need to convert the DMS coordinates into decimal
degrees
● Once the 4 points have been added to the list, the map would then be properly
georeferenced
○ Export it as a .TIF file
● Sometimes, the georeferencing may appear offset when inputted in the GIS of choice
○ The freehand georeferencer may be used in order to align the map
■ These alignments are done with respect to major roads or cities
Step 3. Digitize the map
● Before digitizing, make sure to turn on the following feature
● With this feature, created layers do not overlap one another
● Start by digitizing the smaller, enclosed units
● Zooming in to the empty areas that the Maybangain Formation encloses on the
western portion of the map, we see that it is mainly Quaternary Alluvium. As we have
“Avoid overlap on active layer enabled”, we can simply create a large polygon without
being precise to the boundaries. This saves us time digitizing.
● The final end product should be a fully digitized geologic map
● However, the colors are only randomly generated through QGIS and are not in line
with geologic standards.
○ There are many avenues to obtain their standard colors:
■ Obtain the colors through USGS
■ Obtain the colors through the Geology of the Philippines
● For this example, we will be using a combination of both
● Finally, the lithologic symbols with respect to USGS would be applied
○ Download them using this link
■ Code > Download .ZIP
● To add them to a lithology, add another fill to the symbology as .SVG fill
● Select the identified lithology based on the USGS Classification
● The final product should be something resembling the map below