During the first two days main data types and techniques used in structural interpretation will be presented, for both compressional and extensional geological settings. Through the presentation of specific and real examples, the theoretical concepts will be discussed and followed by practical interpretation exercises. The methodology for creating geological maps and converting these into formats that can be used in tablets and smartphones will be demonstrated.

On the third day, participants will test the field usage of the maps that have been created and converted. This will allow ground check/confirmation of previously interpreted data and for collection of new information in the field.

The instructor has two decade of experience in the application of these methodologies, having already presented and taught this topic on several occasions. In 2015, the course was presented to the Association of Portuguese Geologists where it was then certified by the European Federation of Geologists.

Physical requirements: Easy

Duration: 3 days

Type: Classroom (2 days) and Field (1 day)

Area: Lisbon with field trip around Palmela

Target audience: Geologist, Field Geologists, Structural Geologists, GIS/field technicians, Geology Students, Teachers.

Pre-requisites: Basic geological and cartography principles, basic GIS knowledge.

What’s Included: Transportation, meals, accommodation in 4 stars hotel*, course and field digital guidebook, insurance and Geo Logica t-shirt.

Number of participants: 5 to 15

Course Cost: From 500€ (depending on number of participants)*

Pedro Barreto: Founder of Geo Logica, graduated in Geology from University of Lisbon and has a Master’s degree in Tectonics from Royal Holloway, University of London. Former Senior structural geologist at CGG NPA Satellite Mapping where developed extensive field work in Europe and Africa. Former Senior New Ventures and Exploration Geologist at Partex O&G (Gulbenkian Foundation) where it was Lead Project Geologist for Portuguese exploration. Expert in structural geology from rifting to compressional settings with geological research in Portugal, North Africa, Middle East, East Africa, Brazil and Angola. Co-author of several publications and presentations on rifting and salt-tectonics.

• Types of satellite data used in geological mapping;

• Public domain satellite data sources;

• Methodologies and workflows.

-Identifying extensional regimes on satellite imagery and practical interpretation exercises on satellite imagery 


-Identifying compressional regimes on satellite imagery and practical interpretation exercises on satellite imagery 

• Introduction to GIS freewares and softwares;

• Satellite data loading and map geo-referencing in GIS and Google Earth;

• Extracting geological information from maps in GIS and Google Earth (creating layers, shapefiles, placemarks, importing shapefiles);

• Geological interpretation and identification of areas of interest;

• Fieldwork planning and data export into GPS;

• Creation of tracklog for the journey/ fieldwork;

• 
Observe the geological structure identified and compiled on previous days using of satellite imagery and geological maps.


• Observe the main geomorphological aspects: Satellite Vs Field.


• Use GPS to search in the field where are located previously identified areas of interest.

• Collect data in the areas of interest and add it into GPS and export them into GIS.

A vast array of data and softwares are now available on the internet, which are virtually free of charge, allowing the rapid extraction and integration of geological information particularly useful in structural geological mapping. This information can be used, directly or indirectly, in the elaboration of regional geological maps, geological frameworks of study areas, planning of reconnaissance campaigns and even execution of high-detail fieldwork.

This course main objective is to present a methodology that uses modern technologies in the application of classic techniques of geological mapping. With emphasis on the structural geology component, this course will allow participants to acquire complementary knowledge in the compilation and construction of geological maps that can be used as base and support for fieldwork.

On the first day participants will be introduced to the main types of free satellite data, as well as their sources, which can be used as a base for a geological mapping projects. Will then be guided through satellite imagery from various geographies in the world where will observe the main geomorphological characteristics that best represent different tectonic domains. Examples of the extensional regimes in East African Rift (Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania) will be presented, as well as examples from Variscan compression in Anti-Atlas (Morocco), to Alpine compression in Zagros (Iran and Iraq), which will be followed by brief interpretation exercises.

On the second day will be presented different types of software and freewares where the compilation and integration of the data can be executed. Emphasis will be given on the software Arc GIS and freeware Google Earth, in which will be exemplified the methodology needed to prepare a base geological map that can be used in the field. Geo-referencing based on satellite images of previously digitized maps and images taken from bibliographic sources will allow the extraction of geological information that will be converted into a shapefile or .kmz format. These formats are then exported to files compatible with Android and iOS GPS mobile applications.

This whole process will be explained in a practical example with data from Morocco where the geological structure will be analyzed. Participants will be provided with satellite images and geological maps, among other data so that, using Arc GIS and / or Google Earth previously installed on their computers, they can follow and practice the whole process. After data preparation, elaboration and export of geological maps into a GPS mobile platform, will follow a brief planning of the field work with definition of areas of interest to visit for field validation of identified structures.

Finally, on the third day a practical application of the method will be performed, in which the participants will test in the field the use of the collected information. The data imported into a GPS application will be used to guide the participants to previously defined areas of interest, as well as adding the geological information collected in the field. Locations visited, geological description, collected photographs, measurements and samples collected, will be incorporated into the GPS so that at the end of field day can be exported to the ArcGIS and / or Google Earth project for further analysis and data processing.

The field work will be developed in Palmela region where participants will test the newly learned skills by mapping an outcropping compressional structure.

• Improve structural mapping and interpretation skills;

• Update knowledge of free satellite imagery datasets available and its geological applications;

• Planning ad preparing field campaigns;

• Usage of structural geology field apps.

Drury, S. A. (1990) A guide to remote sensing: Interpreting images of the Earth. Oxford Science Publications. 199PP.

Groshong, R. A. (2006), 3-D Structural Geology: A Practical Guide to Quantitative Surface and Subsurface Map Interpretation. Springer. 400pp

Barreto, P. (2004): Geomorphic and Tectonic Evolution of the Dezful Embayment, Zagros Fold and Thrust Belt (Iran), Master in Tectonics Thesis, Royal Holloway University of London, 91 pp.