Background

Creating a Geologic map is not an easy task. It is riddled with detail and takes time to make the deliverable product presentable, comprehensive, and professional. In this lab, we were instructed to download a Quadrangle (30' x 60") of Logan Utah and surrounding areas from the Utah Geological Survey. We were only instructed to replicate a small portion of the 1:100,000 scale quadrangle. To do so, it was important that we created a shapefile and manipulate the data so that the specified limits of the data frame corresponded with that of the layer files, which allowed for the finished product to have a more uniform aesthetic. In order for us to make exact measurements, the editing tool was used to create a polygon; then with the sketch properties tool we calculated in kilometers the x and y axes of the polygon. Once this was achieved, we clipped the data outside of the polygon so that the only data displayed was anything we placed in the polygon (the square shape of the map). The proper symbology and color schemes were imported from the other files that were downloaded from Geological Survey website. Just as in an authentic geologic map, it is important to have grids and graticules to display spatial reference on a UTM coordinate system and state plane system. Each "tick" on the grid represents an Easting and Northing indicator with a given value for reference onthe UTM system. Scales bars were also added to provide distance reference in both miles and kilometers. The legend on the map shows the various rock types found within the displayed polygon. The maps was rendered in Adobe Illustrator for manipulation of the various shapes; in turn, we were exposed to that program to learn how we can make more presentable outputs.

The graph shown below is the highest percent rock types found within the specified area, though 39% of the rock types were 4.9% and below, thus being represented together. The Provo Formation has the largest surface area displayed because the Provo Formation is a remnant of Lake Bonneville sediments left behind from the ancient lake's shorelines.

Sources: gis.joewheaton.org and Utah Geological Survey