Applications of digital methodology to the NATMAP Shield Margin Project

Abstract

The NATMAP Shield Margin Project, which began in 1991, straddles the Manitoba-Saskatchewan border and studied a rectangular area with east-west and north-south extents of approximately 250 and 150 km, respectively. Among the principal objectives of the NATMAP program were a compilation of a digital geoscience database for the study area and development of digital methodology to build this database and its utilization to aid in reaching the geological goals of the project. It was anticipated that these initiatives would encourage integrated interpretation of data, improve the effectiveness of the geological mapping process, and accelerate publication of results. One of the keys to effectively applying digital methods to a geological mapping project is maintaining data in digital form throughout the project, from the field through to publication. Transcription errors are eliminated and the production of both preliminary and final maps and digital products is accelerated. Access to digital data also facilitates application of digital tools for analysis and visualization. Integrated image products generated from geophysical and geological data sets were used throughout the project and assisted in development of geological models and their visualization. Three-dimensional visualization methods were used to combine NATMAP surface and subsurface mapping with Lithoprobe interpretations of seismic reflection data. The digital database was used to prepare a digital archive of the project which will be published in CD-ROM after completion of the project.