Geological mapping is conducted to cover both land and sea areas. To this end, data from previous studies are combined and additional information is collected during fieldwork. Geological information contained in the common database is used to create maps, primarily at a scale of 1:50,000 or 1:200,000. Depending on the scale, there are different sets of thematic maps. The spatial data created during mapping is open data made available through the Public Web Map Service and explanatory notes are available in the Geological Archive.
The first bedrock geology map of Estonia was published in 1858 by Carl Friedrich Schmidt, who was locally known as the Old Stone Knocker (in Estonian ‘Vana Kivitäkkija’).
Geological maps at a scale of 1:50,000
Maps at this scale are also called the Geological Base Map because their compilation was started on a base map sheet-by-sheet basis. The Geological Base Map provides information on the geology of the Quaternary cover and bedrock, groundwater and its vulnerability, geomorphology, and the distribution of mineral resources. The Geological Base Map covers approximately 60% of the land area of Estonia (either in digital or printed form).
Geological maps at a scale of 1:200,000
A set of geological maps collected over time, covering the entirety of Estonia. The set includes bedrock, Quaternary cover, hydrogeology, groundwater vulnerability, geophysics, radon risk and seismic hazard maps.
Nautical charts
Nautical charts contain information about the geological structure of Estonian sea area and mineral resources. The maps of the Gulf of Finland are at a scale of 1:200,000, the Väinameri Sea maps are at a scale of 1:100,000 and form a part of the Geological Base Map of Estonian land area at a scale of 1:50,000.
The state of geological mapping in Estonia
Contact
Mariliis Aren
Head of Department
