revised: 05-Feb-2015

NMBGMR Draft Geologic Data Model - v. 1.0.4
SYMBOLOGY: Linear Features

In the interests of standardization and interoperability, we are migrating our geologic maps into the USGS NCGMP09 data model. However, our well data model is still actively being used. Documentation for the NMBGMR geology data model is being provided for users with legacy data in this model. We also hope that it will provoke discussion in the ongoing effort to improve NCGMP09 and other models.

This document indicates the general linetypes used for Contacts, Faults, and Folds. Each symbol reflects a combination of two attributes, 1) Exposure (exposed, intermittent/obscured, concealed) and 2) Scientific Confidence about the nature of the feature (certain, probable, uncertain). Note that for simplicity, positional accuracy is not recorded for lines and does not affect symbology (positional accuracy can be recorded for points along the line however). See the NMBGMR Symbol set (3.7 Mb PDF) for details on how our standard symbology is constructed.

When converting old maps that have solid or dashed, our standard will be to assume that the confidence is 'certain' and to use exposure attributes of exposed and concealed respectively. For concealed contacts that appear to be well constrained, confidence will also be 'certain' — otherwise, the confidence should be 'probable'. For queried contacts, the confidence will depend an assessment of whether the existence of the feature is in question or just the location. By default, we will use a confidence of 'uncertain' unless there is a good reason otherwise. For concealed lithologic contacts, note that exposure is superfluous and is not specified for the Concealed_Contacts feature class.

General line types

(Applies to Lith_Contacts, Fault_line, Fold_line -- colors and line-weights vary)

Description Symbol Feature Classes & Attributes Comment
[linetype]-certain,exposed [Lith_Contacts, Fault_line, Fold_line]
  • LineClass="contact/fault/fold"
  • Confidence="certain"
  • Exposure="exposed"
 triangle indicates superior exposure (point data)
[linetype]-certain, obscured [Lith_Contacts, Fault_line, Fold_line]
  • LineClass="contact/fault/fold"
  • Confidence="certain"
  • Exposure="obscured"
 triangle indicates superior exposure (point data)
[linetype]-certain, concealed [Lith_Contacts, Fault_line, Fold_line]
  • LineClass="contact/fault/fold"
  • Confidence="certain"
  • Exposure="concealed"
 Note: For the Concealed_Contacts feature class, there is no need to specify Exposure.
[linetype]-probable,exposed [Lith_Contacts, Fault_line, Fold_line]
  • LineClass="contact/fault/fold"
  • Confidence="probable"
  • Exposure="exposed"
  
[linetype]-probable, obscured [Lith_Contacts, Fault_line, Fold_line]
  • LineClass="contact/fault/fold"
  • Confidence="probable"
  • Exposure="obscured"
  
[linetype]-probable, concealed [Lith_Contacts, Fault_line, Fold_line]
  • LineClass="contact/fault/fold"
  • Confidence="probable"
  • Exposure="concealed"
 Note: For the Concealed_Contacts feature class, there is no need to specify Exposure.
[linetype]-uncertain,exposed [Lith_Contacts, Fault_line, Fold_line]
  • LineClass="contact/fault/fold"
  • Confidence="uncertain"
  • Exposure="exposed"
  
[linetype]-uncertain, obscured [Lith_Contacts, Fault_line, Fold_line]
  • LineClass="contact/fault/fold"
  • Confidence="uncertain"
  • Exposure="obscured"
  
[linetype]-uncertain, concealed [Lith_Contacts, Fault_line, Fold_line]
  • LineClass="contact/fault/fold"
  • Confidence="uncertain"
  • Exposure="concealed"
 Note: For the Concealed_Contacts feature class, there is no need to specify Exposure.