ABSTRACT
GIS technology makes geologic data collecting, editing, analyzing, and mapping much easier than before. With mobile GIS technology, geologic data can be collected, edited, and mapped more efficiently and accurately in the field, in real time, similar to the environmental field data collecting and mapping processes discussed earlier. With desktop or server GIS applications, especially when they are programmed and customized, large quantities of geology data can be processed, analyzed, and compiled into geologic maps of any contents/themes, sizes, scales, and formats. Paper geologic maps produced in the past can be converted into digital GIS maps and data layers. Once in digital GIS format, geologic maps and their elements (i.e., data layers) can be manipulated, analyzed, and visualized in various ways to better understand complicated geologic units and structures. They can also be used to interpret their past and current relationships and transforming mechanisms on local, regional, and global scales, something that is virtually impossible by looking at paper geologic maps.
