You’re about to start a geological survey. How can you make sure you have the right equipment?

Geological surveys are essential for exploring the Earth's structure, resources, hazards, and history. Whether you are conducting a survey for academic, commercial, or environmental purposes, you need to have the right equipment to collect, analyze, and document your data. In this article, we will guide you through some of the basic steps and considerations for choosing and using your geological survey equipment.

1 Identify your objectives

Before you start your survey, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and how you will measure your results. Depending on your objectives, you may need different types of equipment, such as topographic maps, satellite images, GPS devices, compasses, clinometers, rock hammers, hand lenses, soil augers, core samplers, field notebooks, cameras, and more. You should also consider the scale, scope, and duration of your survey, as well as the accessibility and safety of your survey area.

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Aristides P. Frances

Laboratório de Análise de Bacias Sedimentares - LABAS - UFRJ and PhD student at UFF.
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Há muitos anos atrás, em minha primeira experiência como Geólogo junior em uma grande empresa de Mineração de Cassiterita; concluí que uma mente aberta e capacidade de observação dos detalhes, inclusive do óbvio, tão desprezado pelos que correm atrás de soluções complicadas, antes de observar as coisas simples ao seu redor, seja no campo, ou em qualquer lugar. Comecei trabalhando em frente avançada, no Sul do Estado do Amazonas, com prospecção de SnO2 em uma área chamada Macacos, a mais de 200 Km Da Mina de Igarapé Preto. Descartei à mesma, ao voltar à Mina, observei uma montanha cerca ao escritório, e uma draga flutuante explorando SnO2 fina num big rio. Encontrei à área fonte e uma reserva giant em Colúvio e Elúvio, e Chefe de Pesquisa.

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Roy Aurelio Metin

Sr. Geotechnical Engr.
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Sustainable development is continuous. The world is rapidly changing. Technology is disruptive and chaotic. These are viewed with less societal responses. Resource development and environmental stewardship must be integrated by geological survey. Geological survey has needs for extreme information to map geology (e.g. structural geology, geomorphology, stratigraphy), to understand global changes and their trends, to mitigate geohazards, to eliminate uncertainties, and to manage potential and natural resources. Geological survey may be conducted by geological field mapping (e.g. semi-detailed/detailed sampling located with GPS or topographic survey) and/or combination of geophysical survey and geochemical survey.

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2 Research your survey area

Once you have defined your objectives, you should do some background research on your survey area. This will help you to plan your route, identify the geological features and formations, and anticipate the challenges and risks you may encounter. You can use various sources of information, such as geological maps, reports, publications, databases, and online tools, to learn more about your survey area. You should also consult with local authorities, landowners, and experts to obtain the necessary permissions and advice.

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Roy Aurelio Metin

Sr. Geotechnical Engr.
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The research must eliminate, if not, lowers the risks of bias assessment on the survey area. Informing the public, if not, the community on the survey area in the scope of geological survey to meet the objectives is important.

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3 Select your equipment

Based on your objectives and research, you can select the most appropriate equipment for your survey. You should consider the quality, reliability, and suitability of your equipment, as well as the cost, availability, and maintenance. You should also check the compatibility and calibration of your equipment, especially if you are using digital or electronic devices. You should test your equipment before you leave for your survey, and pack some spare parts and backup options in case of malfunction or damage.

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Roy Aurelio Metin

Sr. Geotechnical Engr.
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There are different equipments for quality assurance used in geological survey. Here are common equipments: - Hammers and chisels - Compasses and clinometers - Hand lenses - Tapes - Field maps and cases - Field notebooks - Scales - Protractors - Pencils, erasers, and mapping pens - Acid bottles - GPS and mobile phones - Field cameras - Stereonet - Stereoscope - Pedometer - Altimeter - Sample bags - Field clothing - Other equipments (e.g. laboratory apparatus, geophysical survey equipments, remote sensing equipments, theodolite/transit, drilling equipments, etc.) - Computer system (e.g. online, offline)

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4 Use your equipment correctly

During your survey, you should use your equipment correctly and consistently to ensure the accuracy and validity of your data. You should follow the instructions and protocols for your equipment, and avoid any errors or biases that may affect your measurements. You should also record your data carefully and systematically, using the appropriate units, formats, and labels. You should also document your equipment settings, methods, and issues, as well as any other relevant information.

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Roy Aurelio Metin

Sr. Geotechnical Engr.
(edited)
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Equipments have forms to be used so as their functions. It must be handle with care and used with standard procedures. Safety first precautions are important.

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5 Protect your equipment

Your equipment is your most valuable asset during your survey, so you should protect it from any harm or loss. You should store your equipment securely and safely, and avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures, moisture, dust, or impact. You should also clean and inspect your equipment regularly, and report any problems or defects. You should also keep track of your equipment inventory, and mark your equipment with your name and contact details.

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6 Update your equipment

After your survey, you should update your equipment to reflect your findings and feedback. You should download and backup your data from your devices, and delete any unnecessary or redundant files. You should also evaluate the performance and usefulness of your equipment, and identify any areas for improvement or replacement. You should also share your experience and recommendations with other surveyors, and learn from their tips and suggestions.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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You’re about to start a geological survey. How can you make sure you have the right equipment?

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1 Identify your objectives

2 Research your survey area

3 Select your equipment

4 Use your equipment correctly

5 Protect your equipment

6 Update your equipment

7 Here’s what else to consider

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