You need to conduct a geological survey, but you’re on a tight budget. What are your options?

In summary, conducting a geological survey on a tight budget involves a strategic combination of desk-based research, open-source tools, collaboration, and targeted fieldwork. By leveraging cost-effective technologies, engaging with local communities, and optimizing the use of available resources, it is possible to gather valuable geological data without breaking the bank. The key lies in thoughtful planning, prioritization, and making the most of affordable and accessible technologies and methodologies

For geological surveys on a tight budget, it is important to focus on the activity / method / technique that gets the most relevant data.

In my experience one of the best ways to run a cost effective survey is to have clearly defined objectives that capture only the most relevant aspects of a project. Having clearly defined objectives allows the most economic use of resources at one’s disposal by eliminating irrelevances. Some of the key areas with greatest impact on the cost of a project is the overall methodology employed and the scale of data collection. Having clearly defined objectives will guide your judgement in handling those areas.

Conduct systematic field mapping and observation using low-cost tools such as handheld GPS devices, compasses and field notebooks. Focus on collecting basic geological data, including rock types, structures, stratigraphy, and geomorphological features, through direct observation and mapping techniques.

Como todo proyecto, se debe tener bien definido el alcance y que este guarde concordancia con el presupuesto ,además de realizar las proyecciones de gastos y objetivos mes a mes para que la adherencia del proyecto de lo proyectado Vs el ejecutado pueda ir a la par y no resulte faltando dinero. -Importante revisar las proyecciones del dinero y tratar de retirar materiales o actividades no planeadas. -Importante no sacrificar la calidad del trabajo. -Importante tener una cartera amplia de proveedores. -De ser necesario, se podrían retirar actividades que puedan realizarse en un futuro. -No ser mezquinos en seguridad del personal, ya que un accidente puede dejar en negativo el presupuesto.

The best way to start your project is to conduct literature review from the recent publications and try to find the research gap. Once the gap is identified, select the methodology keeping view that it can be conducted via open source data and softwares as well. Reconassiance survey can be done at home/ office with the help of open source satellite imagery and topo sheets of the targeted area. Basic surveying instruemnts can be issued from office/ university. Project management is the key in this regard.

Para poder escolher o melhor método, é necessário saber quais são seus objetivos, como o tipo de mineral a ser explorado, sua pureza e concentração dentro do corpo mineral. Definido isso, sempre iniciem suas pesquisas da forma mais abrangente possível. Essa fase permitirá conhecer as regiões mais interessantes da sua área de atuação. Com este conhecimento prévio, será mais fácil definir qual é o método mais eficiente para as pesquisas geológicas. Fique atento, pois em regiões diferentes, pode ser necessário a utilização de métodos diferentes.

Compreender o clima de cada região de atuação é crucial, pois isso possibilita a definição do início e, se necessário, a interrupção dos trabalhos de campo. Além disso, a escolha de um centro de pesquisa adequado é fundamental. Este centro deve ser estrategicamente localizado próximo aos locais de trabalho de campo, minimizando assim deslocamentos extensos. Adicionalmente, é importante que o centro tenha fácil acesso a cidades que possam fornecer alimentos e recursos materiais necessários para um bom trabalho de campo.

Nesta fase é importante ter um padrão de coleta de dados, essa padronização é importante, para que todos os profissionais envolvidos possam conversar, de foram que todos intendam imediatamente o que o outro está interpretando no campo. Essa padronização evita parda de tempo da compilação dos dados, já que todos usam o mesmo padrão.

Pre-prints can be shared on Researchgate and valuable suggestions/ recommendations from academia and industry professionals can be incorporated in the final document.

One other useful tool is open source software: There are many open-source software programs (such as QGIS) available that can help you conduct a geological survey. these programs are often free to use and can be customised to meet your specific needs.

It is also useful to examine previous studies and historic databases. The value from these allow you to better understand the area at hand and then in turn focus on the gaps you need to fill for the study. This should however be done with caution as legacy data might have multiple issues in terms of its quality.

Usage of AI within ethical range could be very helpful. Each and every aspect of the research study can be planned via freely available AI tools like ChatGPT, Bard/Gemini, Copilot etc.

What's needed is to be familiar to your property/ area, review a lot of literatures done by others, select favorable climatic duration for conducting your survey, selection of methods, equipments and softwares. Finally, a good management at camping site, transportation may be required