Statewide Seamless Geology update
An update to the Statewide Seamless Geology data package (version 1.1) was released in May 2019 and includes:
- Updates and improvements to many of the rock unit attributes contained in the dataset.
- Updated geology of the southern Thomson Orogen in northwestern NSW using results from the recent stratigraphic drilling campaign and the Southern Thomson ARC Linkage Project.
- An upgrade to the geology of the Forbes 1:250,000 map sheet area, using linework from the original Forbes mapping project.
- New fault attribution information for the eastern Lachlan Orogen and Sydney Basin.
Datasets available for viewing and download
- Statewide seamless geology data package available in ArcMap (10.4 or later), ArcGIS Pro (2.2 or later), MapInfo (11.5 or later) and QGIS (3.2. or later)
- Viewable map on iPhone and Android phones and tablets
- Statewide seamless geology on MinView (click ‘Add View’, then ‘Add Seamless Geology’)
- Reports on DIGS
Value-added and related products
Numerous products using the Seamless Geology Database have been generated or are in preparation. These include:
- Fault attribution work for Zone 54 (report), the eastern Lachlan Orogen (report in progress), and the Southern New England Orogen of NSW (report). All completed fault attribution data is included in the latest Statewide Seamless Geology data package. Attribution work for Zone 55 west is currently in progress.
- Metamorphic maps of Zone 54, Zone 55 (in progress) and Zone 56.
- Statewide outcrop (bedrock exposure) and soils map (data available in latest Seamless 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 Database (in progress).
What is the Seamless Geology of NSW?
- 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 Seamless Geology Project, see the Quarterly Note 145 of the Geological Survey of NSW (GSNSW).
Features of the Seamless Geology of NSW dataset
- 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.
- 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 containing comprehensive attribute tables for each stratigraphic unit, enabling detailed querying and extraction of datasets such as geological, structural, metamorphic and geochronological
- Free download in a variety of formats including GIS, mobile phone maps and online portals
The Seamless Geology of NSW dataset composed of lithotectonic layers/provinces
We would like your feedback
The Seamless Geology of NSW 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 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!
Seamless Geology Project workflow