Birkbeck Students Geological Society

Mapping ‘top tips’

You have all now experienced the, er, ‘joys’ of mapping ;-)   While you were mapping did anything occur to you that seemed a good idea?  Did anything occur that you ‘wished you’d known sooner’?

Here’s an idea.

If you have a ‘top tip’ of things to do and also things not to do why not email it to us and we’ll post if for the benefit of all.

Here’s a few for a start:

Use a clutch pencil in the field (H or 2H is best as Bs can and do smudge) then there’s no need to carry and try and find a pencil sharpener in the deepest recess of a back pack or pocket.  There are some cheap all plastic ones available that will not affect your compass when taking readings.

When it comes to field work your boots are your best friend.  Keep them waterproofed at all times. Good ankle support is always advisable.  Trainers and wellies are not field foot wear.

 When you’ve taken a dip and strike write it straight onto your map, rather than in your note book to transfer later.  It will save time when it comes to inking in as your compass is already set to the correct angle, so all you then have to do is ink over it.  [thanks to Steve Hirons for that one]

When labelling locations on your map use numbers not letters.  Or you’ll be stuck when you reach 26 locations!