DIGITAL GEOLOGICAL MAPPING AND GEODATA ANALYSIS USING TOOLS AND PLUGINS OF QGIS

Purpose. The article aims is to demonstrate the possibilities, methods and advantages of using Quantum GIS (QGIS) plugins and mobile applications for digital geological mapping, input and primary analysis of field geodata in Earth Sciences – Structural Geology, Engineering Geology, Hydrogeology, Ecology, Geophysics, etc. Methodology. The most important tools and plugins of QGIS, an open source GIS program, that works on the most widespread platforms – Windows, MacOS X, Linux and applications on Android, iOS for digital mapping, structural geodata analysis, and visualization are used. Results. The most important tools and plugins of QGIS (Georeferencer GDAL, GarminCustomMap, Profile Tool, VoGIS-ProfilTool, qProf, qgSurf, Stereonet, qgis2web, and QField mobile application) are analyzed. Their using for digital geological mapping, input and analysis of structural and other geodata, construction of 2D topographic profiles, visualization of geodata in web browsers are briefly described. Scientific novelty. Tools and plugins of QGIS, which are necessary for certain purposes for working with various types of data on geological maps, their analysis, and construction of geological and geophysical profiles are defined. QGIS software applications allow to add new plugins, create your own notations for digital mapping that can be used to solve specific geological tasks and analyze geospatial and geological data, or add ready-made specialized geological notations according to geological standards. Practical significance. Complex using of basic, additional external plugins of QGIS and specialized geological markings contributes to effective field digital mapping, modern visualization of various types of geological maps with spatial reference, creation of new digital electronic and complex demonstration maps for printing and visualization in web browsers, construction topographic and geological 2D profiles, GIS analysis of structural geodata, slope analysis, etc. Data obtained in QGIS can be imported into such specialized programs as Petrel Exploration & Production Software Platform (Shlumberger), MOVE Software (Midland Valley), etc. Keywords: Quantum GIS or QGIS, QGIS tools and plugins, digital geological mapping, QField, GIS analysis of structural geodata, slope analysis.