Making Maps

Professor Karl Wirth, geology, took his class Field Methods in Geology to Thomson, Minnesota, for a field mapping project in early October.

This course introduces students to the methods of collecting, recording, and presenting field data. The field scientist must know how to extract and record data from complex environs. Field data often involve spatial components, so the interpretation and generation of maps are essential skills, including the use of global positioning data, and satellite imagery. Outdoor mapping projects is conducted during the early and middle part of the semester, followed by computer-aided mapping and analysis during late fall. Mapping is initially conducted on campus (pace and compass map), followed by projects at Mounds Park (GPS), Minnehaha Falls Park (aerial photograph mapping and stratigraphic section), and Thomson Falls park (detailed geologic/biologic mapping).

Upon completion of the course, students will:

• know how to make detailed field observations and maintain a field notebook
• be familiar with use of field equipment (e.g., Brunton Compass, Jacob Staff, GPS, total station, topographic maps, and aerial photographs)
• understand map projections, grid systems, datums, scale, and magnetic declination
• have enhanced 3-D visualization and spatial analysis skills
• know how to plan and prepare maps at a variety of scales and for a variety of purposes
• understand concepts of error, accuracy, and precision as they relate to spatial data
• be familiar with the use of graphics software to prepare publication quality maps
• know how to locate the resources related to maps, mapping, and field research

Professor Wirth is an igneous petrologist and his research interests include ophiolite studies in Alaska, lava flow suites in the Philippine Islands, Mafic Dikes in northern and southwestern Minnesota and Antarctic meteorites.

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