93-2 Beyond the Published Record: Hidden Legacies of Geologic Field Maps

Session: Crossing Borders in the History and Philosophy of the Geosciences

Presenting Author:

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Abstract:

Geologic maps are foundational to applications in energy, mineral, and water resources, hazard assessment, infrastructure planning, and earth science research in general. Prior to the advent of digital mapping technologies, the creation of geologic maps involved intensive fieldwork, meticulous hand-drawn symbolization, and detailed drafting on paper base maps. These were later compiled into published documents.  However, many of the working maps that informed this process were discarded or lost.  Even archived materials frequently lack adequate provenance, rendering them effectively invisible.

A recent survey of uncatalogued historical materials in the archives of the Bureau of Economic Geology at The University of Texas at Austin uncovered several hand-drawn working geologic maps dating from the early to mid-20th century. We highlight four such collections—by W.S. Adkins and D.J.L. (1932), C.L. Baker (ca. 1922), P.B. King (ca. 1925), and F.B. Plummer (ca. 1920s)—which collectively underscore the multifaceted value of these working maps.

1.     Preserve geologic details and data omitted from published versions, especially for areas with limited modern access or significant land surface changes.  e.g., strikes and dips, mapped springs, and sinkholes

2.     Trace the evolution of geologic methodologies and conceptual frameworks, shedding light on the discipline’s development.  e.g., plane table surveys and evolving geologic time scale

3.     Provide insight into the intellectual approaches of early Texas geologists. e.g., analytical reasoning, collaboration, and communication

4.     Demonstrate the role of historical cartography as a form of cultural heritage, capturing both the artistic expression and economic priorities of the time. e.g., hand-drawn renderings, and representation of oil as an economic driver 

We advocate for greater recognition and preservation of these unpublished working maps, as they serve not only as vital scientific records but also as significant cultural artifacts, documenting both the scientific and human dimensions of geologic exploration.  These rediscovered maps provide irreplaceable baseline data and historical context, underscoring the need to integrate historical records into long-term geologic research and present-day land-use decisions.  

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Program. Vol. 57, No. 6, 2025

doi: 10.1130/abs/2025AM-7647

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