The Digital Mapping Revolution: How to get the best of data capture in the field

Geological (Structural) mapping and data collection in the field form fundamental components of any effective exploration programme, regardless of commodity, mineralisation style or geological setting. The early adoption of effective mapping and field data collection strategies, from regional/prospect scale to focused 3D mapping/sampling of mineralisation targets, not only improves the chances of exploration success, but provides the basis upon which exploration strategies can be developed in a cost-effective manner.

Whereas the fundamental concepts of geological and structural mapping and sampling have not dramatically changed over the years, the technologies available to the field geologist to conduct mapping and sampling have. Recent advances in portable mapping devices and GIS software for the first time allow the development of paperless workflows that allow effortless capture, integration and interpretation of data in the field, and seamless integration of the field data in centralised exploration databases. We present three specific studies that have successfully implemented paperless workflows.