Geological Mapping of Our World and Others
To many geologists, the geological map is an object of wonder to be treasured, studied, and even hung on the wall as a work of art. Geological mapping and interpretation is a skill that all geologists should possess and formed part of many geologists’ undergraduate training. This volume has been written by specialists in the field for us all to enjoy and learn from.
In the opening chapter, the editors state that “map-making is a fundamental tool for developing geological knowledge. It involves data collection and interpretation and has its roots in the earliest discoveries in Earth Sciences”. They then define what a geological map is and a history of its development from William Smith’s map of 1815, and techniques of geological mapping from paper field slips to modern digital innovations. This is followed by John Dewey’s “Personal essay on geological mapping” where he deplores the move away from teaching basic mapping skills by some parts of the Earth science community.
The volume is superbly illustrated with examples of well-chosen geological maps from William Smith’s 1815 original to today’s examples, as well as maps showing the rocks of our neighbours in the solar system, such as Mercury and Venus. Many illustrations are in colour, to great effect; the publishers should be applauded as they elevate this book to a level that should set a standard for other publishers to follow. However, some of the pages in the latter half of the book cram too many photographs onto one page, thirteen in one case, and therefore much of what they are trying to illustrate is difficult to discern. Some are as small as 1 to 2 cm in width and some are as small as a postage stamp.
These minor points do not detract at all from what is a well designed and attractive Special Publication of which the Society can be proud. It was a joy to read, I learned much and it reminded me of how much I have forgotten. I believe it should be on very geologist’s bookshelf and in every institution concerned with geology. I urge any readers to go and buy a copy, as it does what is says on the cover: it is a comprehensive view of geological mapping from the macro to the micro scale of our world and our neighbouring planets.
By Richard Porter
DETAILS
BY: R.W.H. Butler, T. Torvela, & L. Williams (eds.) (2024). Geological Society of London Special Publication No. 541. 390 pp. (hbk).
ISBN: 978178605988
PRICE: £130.00 (£65 for Fellows, £78 for other Societies) www.geolsoc.org.uk
