Application of computer technologies and their potential to develop geophysical mapping

Abstract

The author describes four main work directions of creating geophysical maps using modern software, represented by specialized systems (SSS) and geographic information ones (GIS). The technological features of data processing practice stages and creating geophysical fields’ digital models, the compilation and designing geophysical maps’ thematic content as results of geological and geophysical works are considered. The main tasks of combined use of GIS and SSS tools were identified. To overcome these shortcomings, additional tools were developed for ArcGIS, as the leading system in the oil and gas industry. They ensure the preservation of design parameters for color scales adopted in the SSS; automatic calculation of the labels’ rotation angle to the objects of point localization; maintaining the layer structure of map projects at exporting to publishing program formats. The solutions considered in the article can be applied for compilation and design of isoline maps in some other areas of thematic cartography, and can also contribute to improving the cartographic component of domestic geological and geophysical software products and geographic information systems.