NSW Seamless Geology Project

NSW Seamless Geology update

An update to the NSW Seamless Geology Data Package (version 2.1) was released in May 2021 and includes the following features.

• The NSW metamorphic dataset represents the first time this data has been compiled for the whole of NSW based on the Seamless Geology data.
• The Cenozoic Murray Basin has been divided into its constituent units (formation or group level).
• The geology of the Illawarra region (between Kiama and Helensburgh) received a substantial upgrade based on 1:4,000 to 1:10,000 scale unpublished mapping.
• Changes were made to the boundaries of several depo-centres of the Darling Basin.
• Over 50,000 trendlines and dykes were added to the Curnamona Province data in the Broken Hill area.
• The geology of Kinchega National Park, near Menindee, has been reinterpreted and updated using ADS imagery and radiometric data.
• Updates were made to the stratigraphy and nomenclature of the Fifield Suite (Lachlan Orogen).
• Many new additions were made to the RockUnit attribute table, including an Ultramafic field, and new or updated magmatic fertility attributes (Lachlan Orogen only).
• Updates were made to the geology and stratigraphic nomenclature of several areas in the Lachlan Orogen.
• The dataset is also available in a single layer version, in which the various time slices have been flattened into a single layer, effectively presenting the surface geology only.

Datasets available for viewing and download

• NSW Seamless Geology Data Package is available in ArcMap (10.4 or later) and ArcGIS Pro (2.7 or later), MapInfo (11.5 or later) and QGIS (3.16 or later). This package is also available in the GDA2020 datum in ArcMap (10.6 or later) and ArcGIS Pro (2.7 or later), MapInfo (2019 or later) and QGIS (3.16 or later).
• Single layer version of the NSW Seamless Geology dataset. This package is also available in the GDA2020 datum in ArcMap (10.6 or later) and ArcGIS Pro (2.7 or later), MapInfo (2019 or later) and QGIS (3.16 or later).
• Viewable map on iPhone and Android phones and tablets
• Statewide seamless geology on MinView
• Reports on DIGS

Value-added and related products

Numerous products using the NSW Seamless Geology Geodatabase have been generated or are in preparation. These include:

• Fault attribution work for:
  • Zone 54 (report)
  • The eastern Lachlan Orogen (report)
  • The western Lachlan Orogen (report)
  • The Southern New England Orogen of NSW (report)
• Metamorphic mapping work:
  • NSW Metamorphic map (report)
  • Zone 54 (report)
  • Zone 55 (Lachlan Orogen report)
  • Zone 56 (report)
• Note that all completed fault attribution and metamorphic data is included in the latest NSW Seamless Geology Data Package.
• NSW outcrop (bedrock exposure) and soils map (data available in the latest NSW Seamless Geology Data Package).
• Integration with 3D Mapping of NSW
• Integration with Mineral Potential Mapping of NSW
• Detailed stratigraphic unit tables for all units in the Seamless Geology Geodatabase (in progress).

What is the NSW Seamless Geology?

• An initial five-year project (2013–2018) to complete Version 1 of the statewide product.
• Joins the best-available geological mapping (on a variety of scales) across NSW.
• Connects line mismatches (e.g. geological boundaries, faults etc.) across existing geological map sheet boundaries.
• Harmonises stratigraphic units across NSW.
• Forms an integral part of ongoing work such as 3D, mineral potential and metamorphic mapping across NSW.
• Will be a continuously updated dataset, with new versions released at regular intervals.
• For a detailed explanation of the methods used in the NSW Seamless Geology Project, see the Quarterly Note 145 of the Geological Survey of NSW (GSNSW).

Features of the NSW Seamless Geology dataset

• Data is presented as a series of lithotectonic layers/provinces that form geological time-slices (see figure below), ranging from the Palaeoproterozoic structural and metamorphic evolution of the Broken Hill Block, to the Quaternary depositional systems of the east coast.
• It includes extensions of outcropping geology undercover (i.e. solid pre-Permian basement beneath younger sedimentary basins and unconsolidated sediments).
• A standard database structure and schema contain comprehensive attribute tables for each stratigraphic unit, enabling detailed querying and extraction of datasets such as geology, structure, metamorphism and geochronology.
• Free download is available in a variety of formats including GIS, mobile phone maps and online portals.

The NSW Seamless Geology dataset composed of lithotectonic layers/provinces

We would like your feedback

The NSW Seamless Geology dataset is compiled from the best available mapping - mostly from the GSNSW, with some thesis mapping. The data will be continuously improved by fixing identified issues, future GSNSW mapping programs and incorporation of better-quality company or thesis mapping, with periodic updates to improve the NSW Seamless Geology dataset.

Our aim is to make this dataset the authoritative source of geology for NSW.

So, if you find a problem or if you know of better mapping - please let us know!

NSW Seamless Geology project workflow

Contacts

gary.colquhoun@planning.nsw.gov.au

chris.folkes@planning.nsw.gov.au