The original version of this document is located at at https://docs.qfield.org/success-stories/geologic-mapping

Geologic Mapping with QField

By Rohanna Gibson, Structural Geologist, Terrane Geoscience

Goal

To collect new data on bedrock geology and view existing geoscience data in the field. Geologic mapping is completed using paper maps and/or digital devices for data collection. The goal is to improve the geologic mapping workflow by entering data directly in the field, create quality data with consistent terms, and reference existing geoscience data in the field.

Project preparation

Prior to starting in QField, a geologic mapping geopackage was designed to collect vector data including point station, structure, photo, and sample layers as well as line and polygon layers for contacts, faults, alteration, and geology. Attribute fields are customized for ease of data entry and data quality assurance using value maps, defaults (value or expression), and constraints within the Attributes Form. For example, the structural layer includes:

Coordinates

Fields with default value x and y coordinates from GPS data

Structure type

Value map (drop down list) with structural features (e.g., bedding, cleavage, lineation), set with a "not null" constraint

Azimuth and dip

Integers with range set from 0-360 and 0-90, respectively

Date

Default value current date and time when feature created

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Symbology and labels are customized for each layer, including embedded SVG symbols for structural features that are rotated with the azimuth field.

In addition to field data, base maps and historic data are compiled into geopackages for reference. Base maps include vector topographic data and raster orthophotos. Raster geophysical data and vector geochemical data are included if available, as well as historic geologic mapping. Map themes are designed to quickly toggle between geologic mapping, geophysics, and geochemistry views.

Data collection

Field data collection includes adding point data for map stations, structures, photos, and samples. Polygons and lines are drawn freehand with a stylus or adding vertices manually.

Location and direction of travel are displayed using internal device GPS (or external GPS device linked via Bluetooth), historic vector and raster layers can be viewed relative to location. Current and historic vector layers can be searched and viewed in QField.

Field data are synchronized in QGIS followed by a short data clean up and verification process. The QGIS project is then exported back to QField for additional data collection.

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Structural data collection may be upgraded with future development of a geologic compass feature. https://github.com/opengisch/QField/issues/1882

Results

Final geologic maps and analysis are prepared directly from field data sets with no need to digitize field data. Depending on proficiency and type of mapping, the QField geologic mapping workflow takes approximately the same amount of field time as manual (paper) mapping and drastically reduces office data digitization time. Additionally, historic data are easily referred to in the field, allowing for real time interpretation and targeted field work. Maps and attribute tables can be exported directly from QField or the QGIS project for daily field updates or communication between working groups.

QField allows for data integrity with customizable attribute fields and database compatibility. Field data quality assurance can be built in during project design, ensuring attributes are consistent between users and reducing human error with constraints and default values.

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