How can you use field mapping to support sustainable development goals?

Field mapping is at the very start of the supply chain in our society. This makes geological mapping potential to be a gamechanger for advancing the SDGs. If it is possible to identify what extra data or focus on data that can help all the next actors in the supply chain to reach better levels with the SDGs, it may be possible to make big changes. For example; what if tunnel constructions can use less concrete because we map better structural weaknesses in 3D? There must be many of these oportunities, but we need to be in contact with and understand the whole supply chain.

Field Mapping is a basic preliminary geologic skill necessary for providing broader/framework information of a place with a specific mineral in mind using available survey technologies. The Field Mapping first provides general and larger information in data format prior to specific one, this enables good management by allowing one to make informed decisions as per management of the specific area(s) of interest. This is very useful in SDGs especially in area of Climate change and environmental conservation.

Field mapping is a fundamental tool for supporting sustainable development in the geology and mining sector. By mapping the distribution of mineral resources and geological hazards, geologists can help to inform decisions about where to mine, how to mine, and how to reclaim mined land. Here are some specific examples: Field mapping identifies new mineral deposits, assesses their quality and quantity, and informs sustainable mining. It also pinpoints geological hazard areas, maps land use, conserves biodiversity and plans land reclamation, promoting ecological restoration.

El mapeo de campo, es el principal y quizas uno de los mas importantes trabajar , durante los trabajos de geología. Con esto, podemos identificar que tipo de mineralización tenemos y en que parte del depositoestamos. Tanto la alteración, litología, estructural , mineralizacion. Ademas de ver zonamientos de oxidos, sulfuros , qu se identifiquen. El detalle de estos es esencial y ayudara mucho, para el futuro de la exploracion e identificar los objetivos. Todo esto despues de un buen muestreo, perforación, se juntaran y servira para la toma de desiciones.

Geologic mapping is a highly interpretive, scientific process that can produce a range of map products for many different uses, including assessing ground-water quality and contamination risks; predicting earthquake, volcano, and landslide hazards; characterizing energy and mineral resources and their extraction costs.

GIS mapping systems include tools for mapping resource fields such as gas, oil and coal. But in the future "Field Mapping" will relate more specifically to agricultural fields and other geographical areas such as forests and moors - where hyperspectral imaging will allow a deep understanding of the behavior of natural resources - allowing us to introduce natural capital into the worlds economic system. In such an economy - the vast potential of growth in bio-diversity (Thanks to how much humans have destroyed it so far) - should capture the attention of big investment.

Field mapping backed by proper desktop study can help in water source identification ( both groundwater and surface), visual observation of potential pollution sources - thereby supporting proper future planning in ensuring clean environment (water in this case). During project implementation, it is a useful tool to understand the baseline condition of an area where the project is planned - supporting decision making processes by analysing and presenting combination of alternative options among other things to enhance positive externality and suppress the negative ones.

Field mapping in geology can support sustainable development goals in several ways: Resource Management: Field mapping can be used to identify and assess mineral and energy resources, as well as groundwater and other geological resources. Environmental Impact Assessment: such as mining, infrastructure construction, and land use changes. Hazard Assessment and Mitigation: such as landslides, earthquakes, and volcanic activity. Climate Change and Geological Processes: such as erosion, sedimentation, and sea-level rise. Geological Conservation: such as geological formations, fossils, and mineral deposits.

I have spoken in previous posts about the future of cold as a resource. Engineered materials such as calcium carbonate nano-spheres allow light to be shifted from frequencies that are trapped in the earths atmosphere and materials like building fabric - to a frequency that escapes earths atmosphere. This means that field mapping can help identify areas in cities that could create the greatest value from such a system. We might imagine an investor creating a portfolio of 'hot-spots' in cities and urban areas around the world - into which they insert "coolers" - arrays of panels much like solar panels, that drop the temperature of the hot spots. Field Mapping would allow city planners, facilities managers and investors to understand the value

I always believe that the most important way of learning is to get hands on. I am on a learning curve myself with this at the moment because in the UK we need to understand how we can inspect land and measure for bio-diversity in a non-intrusive way. Because all life gives of light signatures in unique and characterful ways - we can use hyperspectral imaging in combination with field mapping to actively monitor large areas of land for changes in bio-diversity. To do this effectively we need to understand the difference in the light signature between a hedgehog and a rabbit, or between a bee and an Oak Tree. We have the best possibility of doing this with modern drone technology, cameras and machine learning. We just need to start.

One last point about this - but a very important one in my opinion. Field Mapping has historically been focused on resources. But I argue that saving money is as much a resources as any other. Stock traders sell stocks as often as they buy them - capitalizing on the "down-side". When it comes to infrastructure planning, ground information is insufficient. One of the greatest costs to the construction industry is un-expected ground conditions. Field Mapping can contribute to cost and programme savings by identifying ground conditions before projects are priced. New camera technology is required to penetrate the surface of the ground from height, to 2 meters depth and collect valid information of strong indicators of ground conditions.