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The Institute of Geology and Mineral Exploration of Greece (I.G.M.E.), in the framework of CSF 2000 - 2006 has been implementing and almost completing the project called "Data digitizing for the geo-information system of I.G.M.E". The basic aims of the project are the digitization - vectorization of 325 analogical geological map sheets covering the Greek territory (scale 1:50.000) and the creation of a unified geological digital database.
The complexity of the digital geological information derived from geological maps is stored and processed within the framework of a Geographic Information System (GIS).
The GIS elaboration comprises the following stages:
1. Geological database design and creation
2. Digitizing (map, cross sections, lithological column, legend boxes etc)
3. Descriptive information
4. Data management (Spatial local adjustments)
5. Topology
Prior to this project another one had already been completed. It had to do with the design, elaboration and implementation of a unified legend and coded list for the whole database. Every geological formation occurring in any place of the country has a unique code, common for the entire database.
Being close to the project's completion, several problems have been emerged, summarized in the following:
1. Heterogeneity, inconsistency, discontinuity of geological features (formations, tectonic lines, etc) between adjacent geological map sheets.
2. An enormous number of geological formations occurring in the 325 geological map sheets.
These problems mostly reflect the different geological approaches and interpretations concerning the Greek territory, due to the fact that geological mapping in Greece has been implemented during the last six decades at different periods by various geologists carrying different geological and geotectonic theories. All above mentioned demonstrate today the need for the harmonization, generalization and synthesis of all geological data derived from digital geological map sheets. This project which is today under planning by I.G.M.E., will follow the methodology applied in other geological institutes (BRGM) or other relevant European projects (IGME 5000) and will be based on international geological standards.
The data harmonization process entails the cartographic and geological harmonization, generalization and synthesis of all geological entities included in geological maps (formations, linear features, point features) and their legends. For this aim the following work tasks will be required:
1. Field work
2. Remote sensing
3. GIS processing
The project's derived integrated - harmonized geological database for the Greek territory will allow users to perform queries and searches regardless of the existing geographic distribution of I.G.M.E and will constitute the fundamental infrastructure for national and local development, land use planning, environmental protection and other issues associated to geological environment.
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