I am intruding into the domain of the hirsute, flannel clad set here but will give you a layman’s view of what is required to get the mapping done. I have paid enough bills for this kind of work so will think back to the receipts I have signed.

Most countries have a source of government information which establishes the general rock structures in a particular area. Getting a copy of the government map is very important as this sets the naming conventions and offers descriptions of the rocks encountered. The subsequent topic address naming conventions but the rocks are generally identified by their place in the geologic stratum (relative to what is above and below). They are divided into formations and groups and age related packages with names and colours that are standardized. It is always a good idea to follow these conventions or no one will know what is being talked about at any of the endless geological conventions when your project is being discussed. So start with a regional geologic map of the area and a copy of the monogram which describes the various rock types.

There are any number of other tools required in the field. Perhaps the most important are;

• a geographic positioning system (GPS) which uses passing satellites to triangulate locations on earth to within a couple of meters of accuracy. This military development represents a major tool in the advance of the mining industry.
• A Brunton compass to measure the longitudinal (strike) and vertical (dip) tendencies of the rock being investigated.
• A log book made of waterproof paper for making all kinds of maps and notes which serves as memory minders when you are back home and trying to remember what it was you saw.
• A geologist’s pick to bang on the rocks to look at the colour and texture of the fresh rock underneath the worn and discoloured surface. Rocks always look a lot different when they have been split open.
• A magnifying lens to look at the rocks with at least a couple of powers of magnification. It also allows you to pass boring moments looking at the pores in your skin - very cool.
• A book on mineralogy so you can identify all the minerals and rock types. No self-respecting geologist will carry such a book around but I think it is a good idea anyway. No one can remember all those names.
• Some small testing instruments such as a pin to scratch the surface of the rock, a weak acid (HCL) to test for carbonate rocks, a scratch plate to test the colour of the rock
• Specific test instruments depending on what you are looking for. For example, if you are looking for wollastonite a black light will be helpful or a geiger counter for radioactive rocks.
• I think all explorationists should carry a satellite phone for safety sake. If you fall off the cliff you are determined to get the sample from it is always comforting to be able to call someone and ask if they wouldn’t mind dropping by to give you a hand.

I have said elsewhere that geologist’s have the neatest vests in the world - rivaled only by fly fishermen - to carry all this gear around. So being well dressed is something to consider as well. I mean well dressed in the sense of being prepared for every type of weather that can be reasonably expected. I suppose the total cost to outfit the modern geologist is under $1000 and it is not worth scrimping.