# Chenyang Li · Liqiong Jia · Xuan Wu *Editors*

# The Beauty of Geology: Art of Geology Mapping in China Over a Century

The Beauty of Geology: Art of Geology Mapping in China Over a Century

Chenyang Li • Liqiong Jia • Xuan Wu Editors

# The Beauty of Geology: Art of Geology Mapping in China Over a Century

*Editors* Chenyang Li Development and Research Center of China Geological Survey (National Geological Archives of China) Xicheng District, Beijing, P.R. China

Xuan Wu Development and Research Center of China Geological Survey (National Geological Archives of China) Xicheng District, Beijing, P.R. China

Liqiong Jia Development and Research Center of China Geological Survey (National Geological Archives of China) Xicheng District, Beijing, P.R. China

ISBN 978-981-13-3785-7 ISBN 978-981-13-3786-4 (eBook) https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-3786-4

Library of Congress Control Number: 2018966875

© The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s) 2019. This book is an open access publication.

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## **Acknowledgment**

Thanks go to the "National Geological Data Convergence and Collection" project of China Geological Survey (grant no. DD20160348) that supported funding to make this atlas a reality. We would like to thank Mr. Yang Guangsheng, Mr. Shi Junfa, Mrs. Xing Lixia, Mr. Chen Hui, and Mrs. Liu Yayan, who all come from China Geological Survey, for giving guidance for the preparation of the atlas. We also would like to express our appreciation to all those who helped us during the preparation and publication of this atlas. To Mr. Xu Yong, Mr. Zhang Haiqi, and Mr. Tan Yongjie, Development and Research Center of China Geological Survey, for their technical support; to Mr. Qiang Xin, Mr. Huang Bing, and Mrs. Zhang Qian, Development and Research Center of China Geological Survey, for choosing geological maps; and to Mrs. Wang Xueping and Mrs. Wang Chunning, National Geological Library of China, for selecting handdrawn drawings. We would like to extend our thanks to the calligrapher Kou Kerang and *Chinese Painting & Calligraphy* editor Liu Guang, for their art direction.


## **Contributors**

**Xuezheng Gao** Development and Research Center of China Geological Survey (National Geological Archives of China), Xicheng District, Beijing, P.R. China

**Hui Guo** Development and Research Center of China Geological Survey (National Geological Archives of China), Xicheng District, Beijing, P.R. China

**Chunzhen He** Development and Research Center of China Geological Survey (National Geological Archives of China), Xicheng District, Beijing, P.R. China

**Liqiong Jia** Development and Research Center of China Geological Survey (National Geological Archives of China), Xicheng District, Beijing, P.R. China

**Zhaoyu Kong** Development and Research Center of China Geological Survey (National Geological Archives of China), Xicheng District, Beijing, P.R. China

**Chenyang Li** Development and Research Center of China Geological Survey (National Geological Archives of China), Xicheng District, Beijing, P.R. China

**Xiaolei Li** Development and Research Center of China Geological Survey (National Geological Archives of China), Xicheng District, Beijing, P.R. China

**Guo Liu** National Geological Library of China/Geoscience Documentation Center, China Geological Survey, Haidian District, P.R. China

**Jie Meng** Development and Research Center of China Geological Survey (National Geological Archives of China), Xicheng District, Beijing, P.R. China

**Fanyu Qi** Development and Research Center of China Geological Survey (National Geological Archives of China), Xicheng District, Beijing, P.R. China

**Yuntao Shang** Development and Research Center of China Geological Survey (National Geological Archives of China), Xicheng District, Beijing, P.R. China

**Xuan Wu** Development and Research Center of China Geological Survey (National Geological Archives of China), Xicheng District, Beijing, P.R. China

**Ruiyang Yu** Development and Research Center of China Geological Survey (National Geological Archives of China), Xicheng District, Beijing, P.R. China

### Chenyang Li, Liqiong Jia, and Xuan Wu

In 1916, the first generation of geological graduates entered the China Geological Survey and opened a new era of geological survey in China. Over the past 100 years, generations of geologists have made outstanding contributions to the geological survey and prospecting for China's prosperity. They measure the ground, search for treasures, explore the earth, and engrave the beautiful mountains and rivers. As geologists, they completed many beautiful geological maps with the skill of the painter. These maps carry geological information in a scientific way and display a profound artistic aesthetics, reflecting the geologists' good artistic accomplishment, romantic work feelings,and the inheritance and development of geological spirit from generation to generation.

The National Geological Archives of China have collected millions of geological maps, among which the outstanding works can be called artworks. Hand-drawn drawings have distinct lines, reasonable composition, elegant colors, and meticulous painters; computer drawings are rich in content, bright colors, standard drawing, and exquisite decoration. This atlas has selected more than 100 geological maps. It integrates artistic, ornamental, and scientific features. With the development of geological mapping of China in the past century as the main line, this atlas displays geological maps and hand-drawn sketches from the perspective of art appreciation.

Based on the development of geological mapping, the atlas can be divided into four stages: initiation (from 1914 to 1934), exploration (from 1935 to 1953), growth (from 1954 to 1994), and leap (from 1995 to present). The atlas systematically shows the development and evolution of geological mapping in China, and thus explores the development and changes of geological survey in the past 100 years. These maps carry geological information in a scientific way and display a profound artistic aesthetics, reflecting the geologists' good artistic accomplishment and romantic work feelings, showing the inheritance and development of geological spirit from generation to generation.

Development and Research Center of China Geological Survey (National Geological Archives of China), Xicheng District, Beijing, P.R. China e-mail: chenyang@mail.cgs.gov.cn

© The Author(s) 2019 1 C. Li et al. (eds.), *The Beauty of Geology: Art of Geology Mapping in China Over a Century*, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-3786-4\_1

**1**

**Introduction**

C. Li (\*) · L. Jia · X. Wu

**Open Access** This chapter is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons. org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons licence and indicate if changes were made.

The images or other third party material in this chapter are included in the chapter's Creative Commons licence, unless indicated otherwise in a credit line to the material. If material is not included in the chapter's Creative Commons licence and your intended use is not permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder.

# **Initiation Period (1914–1934): Geologists' Artistic Accomplishment Reflected by Hand-Drawn Maps**

Chenyang Li, Guo Liu, Ruiyang Yu, Hui Guo, and Fanyu Qi

In 1903, Zhou Shuren (pseudonym is Lu Xun) said in his *Geological Theory of China*: "Observe the national conditions is not a difficult task. There is no home-made precise geological map in its territory and its city of a non-civilized country." In 1906, the *Complete Map of China's Mineral Resources* compiled by Gu Lang and Zhou Shuren is the earliest geological map in China.

From 1913 to 1919, Zhang Hongzhao, Ding Wenjiang, and Weng Wenhao, the founders of China's geological cause, led the teachers and students of China Geological Survey to carry out geological and mineral survey and mapping work in Beijing Xishan, Hebei Province, Shangdong Province and other places. They successively compiled geological maps of various scales, such as the *Geological Map of Xishan, Beijing*. In the 1920s, three 1:1 million geological maps were compiled and published: *1:1 million China Geological Map and Instructions (Beijing-Jinan Sheet)*, *1:1 million China Geological Map and Instructions (Taiyuan-Yulin Sheet)*, and *1:1 million China Geological Map and Instructions (Nanjing-Kaifeng Sheet)*. In the initial stage, geological predecessors compiled many representative geological maps of great significance, which laid the first foundation for future geological mapping in China.

At this stage, geological maps are almost hand-painted, with relatively simple lines, and mostly monochrome; polychromatic maps were painted mainly with watercolor pigments, and the used paper was light and rough. There is no standard for geological mapping, and the scale is mostly a written description, many of which are bilingual, in Chinese

G. Liu

and English. Most of the maps are regional and mineral geological maps. Hand-drawn geological map reflects the personal artistic accomplishment of the geological predecessors.

Representing one of the earliest regional geological maps collected by the National Geological Archives of China (NGAC), this sketch depicts geological conditions in the vicinity of Mt. Dongting. The sketch's lines are distinct, and its gouache colors elegant. The paper is thin. The content of the sketch is simple, with legends and scale but no compass rose. The text that accompanies the map was written by Chinese writing brush (Fig. 2.1).

In 1914, Ding et al. traveled to Yunnan, Guizhou, and Sichuan provinces and other destinations to conduct geological surveys. During the expedition, they compiled several geological maps and profiles as well as geological maps of mining areas in Guangxi and Shandong provinces, pioneering the development of geological mapping through field surveys in China (Figs. 2.2, 2.3, 2.4 and 2.5).

This geological map of an iron ore deposit was drawn by prominent Chinese geologist Hongzhao Zhang on thin, light paper with colors in gouache. The content of the map is simple, the lines are distinct, and its colors are vivid. A legend, scale, and compass rose are included (Fig. 2.6).

These sketches depict ancient creatures in natural light using dark lines and rich textures (Fig. 2.7).

The histograms were drawn by Weng Wenhao, one of the earliest modern Chinese geologists. The drawings are elegant, precise, and detail-oriented. The yellowed paper possesses old-fashioned charm (Fig. 2.8).

Details are properly portrayed with smooth lines. Large areas of blank space and rolling hills highlight the map's theme. The steadily rising gentle terrain on the left of the map recalls the mystical atmosphere of a scroll painting of rivers and mountains. The sophisticated narrative technique makes the viewer feel as though a complex story has suddenly broken off, filling the plain picture with rhythmic tension. Rather than a geological profile, the map is more like a painting of a long expanse of rivers and mountains (Fig. 2.9).

C. Li (\*) · R. Yu · H. Guo · F. Qi

Development and Research Center of China Geological Survey (National Geological Archives of China), Xicheng District, Beijing, P.R. China e-mail: chenyang@mail.cgs.gov.cn

National Geological Library of China/Geoscience Documentation Center, China Geological Survey, Haidian District, P.R. China

**Fig. 2.1** Geological sketch map of Mt. Dongting, Wuxian County, Jiangsu Province [1]

This is the first geological map on a 1:100,000 scale that was independently surveyed and mapped by Chinese geologists. It was published in 1920 as the first supplementary issue of "Geological Special Report," the first regional geological monograph written by Chinese geological scientists (Fig. 2.12).

This is the first geological map of a large region with standard sheet division (1:1,000,000) compiled by Chinese geologists. One of the three small-scale geological maps with standard sheet division, it was completed under the supervision of Wenhao Weng, the acting director of the China Geological Survey during 1921–1924, and of substantial strategic significance (collection of the National Geological Library of China) (Fig. 2.13).

In this map, the contours, strata, and rock properties of a terrain in Anhui Province are depicted using single red lines. The lines are dense in the right part of the map but sparse in the left part and show the effect of relative concentration and partial sparseness, which generate an appealing contrast (Fig. 2.14).

This map depicts the distribution of lead, copper, gold, asbestos, sulfur, and pyrite in Xikang District (now the Yajiang area of Sichuan Province). The map is mainly drawn with delicate and smooth lines, which are mainly green contour lines, partially supplemented by red lines and blocks in blue, yellow, red, etc., with a neat and forceful calligraphy of regular script in small characters. These characteristics combine to lend the map an antique allure (Fig. 2.15).

The lines on the maps are elegant, smooth, precise, and clean, and the colors are bright and distinct. The frames of the maps are uncluttered (Fig. 2.16).

This schematic diagram of the production method of a potter's wheel is rendered concisely with adequate detail. The simple light effects and indicators on the drawing make the production process easily understood (Fig. 2.17).

This map is based on geological surveys by Li Siguang and exquisitely drawn in harmonious colors (Fig. 2.18).

This sketch depicts the distribution of outcrops of copper and the formation of rock strata in Daye, Hubei Province (Fig. 2.19).

**Fig. 2.2** Geological map of eastern Yunnan [2]. (Source: China's first field geological map)

**Fig. 2.3** Generalized section through eastern Yunnan by V.K. Ting [3]. (Source: China's first field geological map)

**Fig. 2.4** Geological map of Dachang, Guangxi Province [4]. (Source: China's first field geological map)

**Fig. 2.5** Geological map of coalfield of Yixian, Shandong Province [5]. (Source: China's first field geological map)

Initiation Period (1914–1934): Geologists' Artistic Accomplishment Reflected by Hand-Drawn Maps

**Fig. 2.6** Geological map of iron ore deposit in Xibei Township, Fanchang County [6]

**Fig. 2.7** Sketches of ancient creature's fossils [7]

**Fig. 2.9** Geology and mineral deposits map of Mt. Huitou (Part II) [9]

**Fig. 2.10** Geological map of Fengjiang coal mine in Yugan County, Jiangxi Province [10]

**Fig. 2.11** Geological map of Boshan coalfield in Zichuan County, Shandong Province [11]

**Fig. 2.12** Geological map of Mt. Xishan, Beijing [12]

**Fig. 2.13** Chinese geological map (1:1,000,000): Beijing-Jinan areas and brochure [13]

**Fig. 2.14** Coalfield geological map of Shuidong Township, Xuancheng County, Anhui Province [14]

**Fig. 2.15** Geological mineral map of eastern part of Xikang District [15]

**Fig. 2.16** Two geological maps of Danba, Taining, and Zhanhua Counties, Xikang District [16]

**Fig. 2.17** Production method of potter's wheel [17]

**Fig. 2.18** Geological map of Longtan [18]

**Fig. 2.19** Geological sketch of Yangxin copper mine, Daye, Hubei Province [19]

**Fig. 2.20** Geological profile of the area from the northwest of Mt. Wuyin to Yansi, Longquan County [20]

#### **References**


**Open Access** This chapter is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons. org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons licence and indicate if changes were made.

The images or other third party material in this chapter are included in the chapter's Creative Commons licence, unless indicated otherwise in a credit line to the material. If material is not included in the chapter's Creative Commons licence and your intended use is not permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder.

# **Exploration Period (1935–1953): The First Step Toward Standardization**

**3**

Liqiong Jia, Xiaolei Li, Yuntao Shang, Xuezheng Gao, and Jie Meng

In 1936, Huang Jiqing published the *Problems of Colouring and Symbols of Geological Maps of China* and Nan Yanzong published *Discussion on the Usage of Igneous Rock Patterns on Geological Maps*. In 1937, Wang Bingzhang's published *Discussion on Symbols Colouring and Patterns of Geological Maps*. These made the first step toward "unification" and "standardization" in geological mapping in China.

At this stage, regional geological mapping began to have standard norms, with 1945 and 1948 Huang Jiqing et al.'s *1:3 million Geological Maps of China* and a series of *Geological Maps of China (1:1 million)* as representatives. Through the compilation of these maps, breakthrough of zero geological map in mainland China has been achieved.

A series of geological maps during this period systematically summarized and reflected the achievements of geological survey and geological research in China in the first half of the twentieth century, provided important basic geological data for the planning and deployment of geological work in the First Five-Year Plan of the state, and laid a solid foundation for the future comprehensive geological mapping. In addition to the gradual standardization of geological maps, there are many vivid, interesting, and exquisite hand-drawn drawings that show the beauty of nature from the perspective of geologists.

This is a pencil drawing by early geologists of rock mineral specimens examined under a microscope. The detail demonstrates the professionalism and rigor of the scientists (Fig. 3.1).

The map clearly and concisely depicts geologic columnar profiles of Jurassic strata in Wenquanxia, Caijiagou, and elsewhere (Fig. 3.2).

In these multi-color regional geological maps, strata and rocks are distinguished using different colors and patterns, mostly in yellow and green. Place names are labeled, and both Chinese and English names are provided for the most important locations. The requirements of a standard geological map are generally satisfied: the map has detailed legend, frame, latitude and longitude lines, and latitudinal and longitudinal coordinates; only compass rose is missing (Fig. 3.3).

The sketch adopts a diagonal composition and depicts the geology with lines of various thicknesses and colors. The yellowed paper is rich in old-fashioned charm (Fig. 3.5).

These generously illustrated diagrams vividly depict the tools and engineering operations of fieldwork during the early period of geological exploration (Figs. 3.8, 3.9, 3.10).

Blueprint of geological map with distinct lines and complete and orderly legends and patterns (Fig. 3.11).

Using ink and watercolors, the map depicts the strata and rock formations of the Huize section prospecting projects along the Xufu-Kunming Railway, with geographic grid and scale (Fig. 3.12).

Consists of three sketches drawn using single lines, with distinct layers and clear labels (Fig. 3.14).

A depiction of macroscopic geological bodies and an objective description of local geomorphology that superbly integrates geology and aesthetics (Fig. 3.16).

Ancient paper with distinct lines and colored by crayon (Fig. 3.17).

The profile consists of three small sections, with detailed, well-rendered geological features at a glance (Fig. 3.18).

The geological map is rich in content and cleanly drawn in single lines (Fig. 3.19).

From 1945 to 1948, under the leadership of Jiqing Huang, the director of the Regional Geological Research Office of the China Geological Survey, 14 sheets of geological map with standard sheet divisions on the scale of 1:1,000,000 were compiled. The map compilation systematically summarizes and depicts the achievements of the national geological survey in 1948 and represents the first

L. Jia (\*) · X. Li · Y. Shang · X. Gao · J. Meng

Development and Research Center of China Geological Survey (National Geological Archives of China), Xicheng District, Beijing, P.R. China

**Fig. 3.1** Microscopic diagram of pyrite from Mt. Liuhuan, Yingde, Guangdong Province [1]

national geological map of mainland China. The depicted sheet is bilingual (Chinese and English) with bright colors and was published based on a print from a fair drawing (Fig. 3.21).

A depiction of macroscopic geological bodies and an objective description of local geomorphology are integrated by the sketch artist. With its small number of strokes, the geological map has the appeal of a landscape painting (Fig. 3.22).

The combination of clear, smooth single lines and coloring makes the map appealing and orderly. The map is in double-line frame, with latitudinal and longitudinal coordinates (Fig. 3.24).

These diagrams are drawn in crayon, mainly red and green. The clean lines objectively portray the local geomorphology while giving consideration to the art of sketching. The viewers feel as if they are in the midst of mountains rising on both sides (Fig. 3.25).

Exploration Period (1935–1953): The First Step Toward Standardization

**Fig. 3.2** Geologic column section of Jurassic stratum [2]

**Fig. 3.3** Geological map of Gulan and Gongxian counties, southern Sichuan [3]

**Fig. 3.4** Structure map of Mugui manganese mine [4]

**Fig. 3.5** Geological sketch of alluvial gold mine in Taining area, Xikang District [5]

#### Exploration Period (1935–1953): The First Step Toward Standardization

**Fig. 3.6** Geological map of the phosphate mining area in village Zhongyi, Kunyang, Yunnan Province [6]

**Fig. 3.7** Illustrations attached to special report on copper mines in Zhushan, Hubei Province [7]

**Fig. 3.8** Diagrams of tool and operations (1) [8]. Source: Diagram of tool and operations (set of three-piece)

**Fig. 3.9** Diagrams of tool and operations (2) [9]. Source: Diagram of tool and operations (set of three-piece)

**Fig. 3.11** Geological map of coalfield in Mt. Jiakua, Xiuwen County, Guizhou Province [11]

**Fig. 3.12** Geological map of Huize [12]

**Fig. 3.13** Geological profile of Liujiachong coalfield in Lingling [13]

**Fig. 3.14** Sketches of the operating mineshafts in Mt. Etou (set of three piece) [14]

**Fig. 3.15** Geological map of coalfields in the vicinity of Duyun, Guizhou Province [15]

3 Exploration Period (1935–1953): The First Step Toward Standardization

**Fig. 3.16** Syncline sketch of Mt. Liaogao [16]

**Fig. 3.17** Geological map of Jurassic coalfield in Puxin and Jiayu counties, Hubei Province [17]

**Fig. 3.18** Profile of coalfield in Baoan Township, Daye, Hubei Province [18]

**Fig. 3.19** Geological map of coalfields in the vicinity of Shihuiyao, Daye, Hubei Province [19]

**Fig. 3.20** China geological map (Guilin sheet) [20]

**Fig. 3.21** China geological map (Beijing sheet) [21]

**Fig. 3.22** Cliff formed from a fault after loessification in Huaiyugou [22]

**Fig. 3.23** Illustrations attached to geological survey report of deposits in the vicinities of Xuanhua, Zhuolu, and Yuxian [23 ]

**Fig. 3.24** Geological map of Mt. Leishan, Echeng [24]

**Fig. 3.25** Multiple diagrams of even faults at Mt. Guanyin [25]

**Fig. 3.26** Geological profile of the vicinity of Mt. Tieshan, Daye, Hubei Province [26]

**Fig. 3.27** The fourth layer sketch maps attached to report of geological exploration at Taolin, Hunan Province (sheet 1) [27]

**Fig. 3.28** The fourth layer sketch maps attached to report of geological exploration at Taolin, Hunan Province (sheet 2) [28 ]

**Fig. 3.29** Geological maps (profiles) of igneous rock and geological formations in the Zhaitang coalfield (Part II) [29]

**Fig. 3.30** Geological maps (profiles) of igneous rock and geological formations in the Zhaitang coalfield (Part IV) [30]

**Fig. 3.31** Block-diagram of Panjiachong lead-zinc mine veins (sheeted zone) in Liling, Hunan Province [31]

#### **References**


**Open Access** This chapter is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons. org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons licence and indicate if changes were made.

The images or other third party material in this chapter are included in the chapter's Creative Commons licence, unless indicated otherwise in a credit line to the material. If material is not included in the chapter's Creative Commons licence and your intended use is not permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder.

https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-3786-4\_4

L. Jia (\*) · Z. Kong · X. Gao · H. Guo · X. Li · C. He Development and Research Center of China Geological Survey

(National Geological Archives of China), Xicheng District, Beijing, P.R. China

# **Growth Period (1954–1994): Maps Displaying More Information and Printed in More Standard Way**

Liqiong Jia, Zhaoyu Kong, Xuezheng Gao, Hui Guo, Xiaolei Li, and Chunzhen He

With the rapid development of national construction and geological work, from 1953 to 1956, the state set up four Sino-Soviet cooperation regional geological survey brigades (Xinjiang 13th geological brigade, Daxing'anling geological brigade, Qinling geological brigade, and Nanling geological brigade). The *General Survey Notes*, compiled by Huang Jiqing and Xie Jiarong in 1954, put forward unified requirements for stratigraphic division, use of geological codes, various pattern symbols, and color marks in field mapping, thus providing scientific basis for unified representation of large-scale geological maps in China. Through Sino-Soviet cooperation and the unremitting efforts of our geological predecessors, a new situation has been opened up for the regional geological survey and geological mapping in China.

During this period, China's geological mapping has developed rapidly, and at the same time it enjoys a lot of international reputation. For example, from 1973 to 1976, the *Geological Map of Asia (1:5 million)*, compiled by Li Tingdong, Li Chunyu, and Wang Hongzhen, and the *Geological Map of the People's Republic of China (1:4 million)*, compiled by Geng Shufang, caused a great sensation when they participated in the 25th International Geological Congress exhibition, which was highly praised by foreign media.

China's geological mapping have developed to a more systematic and perfect stage. Geological map information is more rich and diverse, and the printing is more standardized. The relevant thematic studies are carried out simultaneously, such as agricultural ecological geology, environmental geology and tourism geology. The unified specific requirements of the representation method of geological maps, the shape, size, color, and structure of symbols, as well as the schema and legend, create conditions for the rapid transmission of geological information and automatic mapping.

This monochromatic drawing has been meticulously done, with such fine attention to detail that even the houses behind the trees are accurately depicted. Mt. Shirenfeng is rendered using the simple wrinkled-texture method of traditional Chinese painting. Coupled with the clouds in background, this approach makes the picture both realistic and imaginative. The drawing's composition resembles that of a Tai Chi map, full of conflict and harmony (Fig. 4.1).

The measured layout and accurate rendition has high aesthetic quality. The vigorous lines seem dense enough to block the wind and recall the poetic thought that "The cloud wishes it were a bird" (Figs. 4.2 and 4.3).

Overall, the diagram adopts a triangular format, with a strong sense of perspective. The diagram is vertical, orderly, and lively (Fig. 4.7).

The macroscopic geological terrain is depicted with fine, artistic lines, such that the sketch resembles an elegant landscape painting. Depicting the local landscape in an objective, detailed manner, the sketch adds dramatic effects through a background of towering mountains and streaming clouds (Fig. 4.10).

The drawing is beautiful, with water in the foreground and mountains in the background in a movement from the dynamic to the static. The floating clouds add life to the quiet loftiness of the mountains while making the image more transparent, like a majestic perspective in oil painting. The drawing perfectly combines geology and aesthetics (Fig. 4.17).

The microscopic illustrations were drawn with colored pencils and are bright and succinct (Fig. 4.18).

The ore bodies in the diagram were drawn in orderly alignment and bright, contrasting colors. They are highlighted with geographical signs (Fig. 4.19).

The diagram is drawn in complex but clear lines combined with watercolor blocks and represents an engineering geological chart of a mining area in Guangdong Province (Fig. 4.20).

**4**

<sup>©</sup> The Author(s) 2019 51 C. Li et al. (eds.), *The Beauty of Geology: Art of Geology Mapping in China Over a Century*,

**Fig. 4.2** Geomorphological sketch of Shirenfeng tungsten mine, Shixing, Guangdong (sheet 1) [2]

The creation of the 13th Sino-Soviet Geological Cooperation Brigade of Xinjiang in 1953 opened a new chapter in China's regional geological survey activity. The geological maps produced during this period are mostly bilingual in Chinese and Russian (Figs. 4.21 and 4.22).

This diagram describes the core preservation in solid figure (Fig. 4.23).

Lines and gouache coloring were used in the diagram, making it orderly and elegant. There is a clearly drawn legend (Fig. 4.24).

In contrast to the seriousness and simplicity of other report covers, this cover is decorated with a variety of imagery, such as a phoenix and auspicious clouds. The appealing effect is one of goodwill and suggests the creative enthusiasm of hard-working geologists (Fig. 4.25).

This is China's first tectonic map on the scale of 1:3,000,000. The map had a profound impact at home and abroad and was widely recognized by geoscientists as an epoch-making and canonic achievement in the history of Asian tectonic studies (Fig. 4.31).

**Fig. 4.3** Geomorphological sketch of Shirenfeng tungsten mine, Shixing, Guangdong (sheet 2) [3]

The monochromatic map is rich in content, with clear geological signs and depicting diverse terrain (Fig. 4.32).

The multi-color quaternary geological map is primarily rendered in yellow and green, with a double-line frame and a latitudinal and longitudinal grid. The colors are harmonious, while the content of the map is rich (Fig. 4.33).

This tectonic map with internal sheet division depicts complex content with bright and contrasting colors. It was published as a print from a fair drawing (Fig. 4.35).

The diagram appears three-dimensional, with distinct, vivid layers of color. It includes a complete and detailed legend and other features (Fig. 4.39).

The map was created with clear lines in elegant colors rendered using a traditional Chinese brush painting technique. The color transitions are natural and smooth (Fig. 4.40).

The columnar description is concise and easy to grasp (Fig. 4.41).

Contrasting colors were used to create an effect of color fluidity (Fig. 4.45).

The texture is dense, orderly, and clean, with a subtle tint of color in certain areas, making the overall drawing precise and refreshing (Fig. 4.49).

The sketch depicts richly complex structures, with distinct blocks and neatly labeled geological elements (Fig. 4.50).

The diagram employs the perspective method to describe ore bodies (Fig. 4.51).

The balanced and harmonious, brightly colored map is divided into four parts (Fig. 4.52).

The map was drawn in optimal density with elegant colors (Fig. 4.54).

**Fig. 4.4** Diagram of a seam columnar section of Yaojie coal mine [4]


**Fig. 4.5** Schematic diagram of the engineering geological map of areas south of the dam axis (river bed section) [5]

**Fig. 4.6** Geological map of areas peripheral to Gaositai, Chengde, Rehe [6]

**Fig. 4.7** Equal area chart of the middle Jurassic stratum of Yaojie coal mine in the Minhe Basin [7]

**Fig. 4.8** Agricultural utilization map of irrigated land in the Yellow River Basin [8]

**Fig. 4.9** Distribution of observation stations at various levels in the Huaihe River Basin in 1954 [9]

**Fig. 4.10** Topographic sketch of the Ningjiahe River Dam, Shawan County [10]

**Fig. 4.11** Diagram of a continuous columnar section of Tuozu iron ore mine in Butuo County [11]

4 Growth Period (1954–1994): Maps Displaying More Information and Printed in More Standard Way

**Fig. 4.12** Geological profile sketch of Mt. Guaran-Mt. Yinshan [12]

**Fig. 4.13** Sketch attached to final geological report on Subashi in central Mt. Huoyan, the Turpan Basin [13]

**Fig. 4.14** Statistical diagrams of joints and fissures of the Tuanbaoshan lead-zinc mining area in Hanyuan County, Sichuan Province [14]

**Fig. 4.15** Sectional diagram of a copper mine in the adjoining area of Yimen, Shuangbai, and Eshan counties, Yunnan Province [15]

**Fig. 4.16** Topographic and geological profile of Tuozu iron ore mine in Butuo County [16]

4 Growth Period (1954–1994): Maps Displaying More Information and Printed in More Standard Way

**Fig. 4.17** Perspective view of the terrain in the vicinity of Maoming oil shale field [17]

**Fig. 4.18** Microscopic illustration attached to calculation table of a talc reserve in Fanjiapuzi [18]

**Fig. 4.19** Perspective diagram of ore bodies near West Lake [19]

**Fig. 4.20** Engineering geological map of pyrite mine in Mt. Liuhuang, Yingde, Guangdong Province [20]

**Fig. 4.21** Series of geological maps of the Kashi-Akesu region of Southern Mt. Tianshan, Xinjiang (1) [21]. (Source: Part of the series to geological map of the Kashi-Akesu region of Southern Mt. Tianshan, Xinjiang.)

**Fig. 4.22** Series of geological maps of the Kashi-Akesu region of Southern Mt. Tianshan, Xinjiang (2) [22]. (Source: Part of the series to geological map of the Kashi-Akesu region of Southern Mt. Tianshan, Xinjiang.)


**Fig. 4.24** Regional hydrological and geological map of the mining areas in the Suyukou, Yugou, and Nansi vicinities of Mt. Helan mountain [24]

**Fig. 4.25** Mineral geology report (cover) [25]

**Fig. 4.26** Cover of the report on mineral exploration in Liancheng County [26]

**Fig. 4.27** Sketches of various polymetallic ore specimens from the Wujiang mining area of Leishan [27]

**Fig. 4.28** Sketch of outcrop G1001 of the Dunan mining area of Leishan [28]

**Fig. 4.29** Sketch of shallow well II/E1 of the lead-zinc mining area of Bangou [29]

#### **Fig. 4.30** Sketches of the interface of J 3a and J 2c, among others [30 ]

**Fig. 4.31** Geotectonic map of the People's Republic of China [31]

4 Growth Period (1954–1994): Maps Displaying More Information and Printed in More Standard Way

**Fig. 4.32** Geomorphological map of the western Inner Mongolia Plateau (I-I′, II-II′ geomorphology sections) [32]

**Fig. 4.33** Quaternary geological map of the Qaidam Basin [33]

#### Growth Period (1954–1994): Maps Displaying More Information and Printed in More Standard Way

**Fig. 4.35** Tectonic map of the Xi'an area [35]

**Fig. 4.36** Comparison of reservoir units of Strata P1, P2, and T*f* in the Chongqing area [36]

**Fig. 4.37** Sketch of exploration ditch TQ1 at the crystal mining area of Miaogou [37]

**Fig. 4.38** Sketch of a geode in a mine block of the Gongli crystal mining area, Luodian County, Guizhou Province [38]

**Fig. 4.39** Geological structure projection diagram of the Yinda experimental section of Jiuquan [39]

**Fig. 4.40** Geomorphological and geological map of the Houdong mineral deposit in the Wuchuan mercury mining belt, Guizhou Province [40]

**Fig. 4.41** Diagram of coal seam thickness variation of Pit 36 in Lanjiawan [41]

**Fig. 4.42** Profile diagram of lake exploration line [42]

**Fig. 4.44** Diagram of the composition and distribution of the diamond deposit in eastern Guizhou Province and western Hunan Province [44]

**Fig. 4.45** Topographic and geological map of Tongyu chrome mine in Zuoquan County, Shanxi Province [45]

**Fig. 4.46** Schematic diagram of the intrusion of T1,2 and T3 in the western section of the Lingxiang rock mass, etc. [46]

**Fig. 4.48** Sectional axonometric drawing of engineering geology of the Fuling Road-Labor Road Overpass Project [48]

95

**Fig. 4.49** Illustrations and sketches of minerals attached to report on geological turquoise survey at Mt. Duancen, Wulan County, Qinghai Province [49 ]

**Fig. 4.50** Sketch of gallery wall of the No. 3 pegmatite vein in Wentouyingzi minefield, Fuxin County [50]

**Fig. 4.51** Geological joint section of No. 1 deposit [51]

**Fig. 4.52** Geochemical map of vanadium in the geochemical exploration site of an urban area of Shantou City, Guangdong Province [52]

**Fig. 4.53** Engineering geological profile of district planning of Jiaojiang City, Zhejiang Province [53]

**Fig. 4.54** Hydrogeological map of the Qingchengzi region in central Liaoning Province [54]

#### **References**


els in the Huaihe River Basin in 1954. 1954. doi: https://doi. org/10.12063/data.D.2018.NGA9641.T1.1.1.


**Open Access** This chapter is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons. org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons licence and indicate if changes were made.

The images or other third party material in this chapter are included in the chapter's Creative Commons licence, unless indicated otherwise in a credit line to the material. If material is not included in the chapter's Creative Commons licence and your intended use is not permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder.

# **Leaping Forward Period (1995 to Present): Moving into Digital Mapping and Digital Cartography Era**

Xuan Wu, Fanyu Qi, Guo Liu, Yuntao Shang, and Jie Meng

During the Ninth Five-Year Plan period, the Ministry of Geology and Mineral Resources deployed a pilot project for the construction of space database of 1:20 million. Since 2000, China Geological Survey has developed computer mapping systems in combination with regional geological survey. From 1999 to 2006, the China Geological Survey (CGS) completed a number of 1:250000 Regional geological maps using 3S technology in the area of 152,000 km2 in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and its adjacent areas, in accordance with the unified mapping technical standards. This is an epoch-making project, marking the full completion of the medium-scale regional geological survey of China's land. What Lu Xun has said, "There is no home-made precise geological map in its territory and its city of a non-civilized country" has been fully realized.

Computer-aided mapping not only changes the traditional geological mapping method, speeds up the mapping speed, reduces the labor intensity, and improves the quality of information transmission function and loading function of geological mapping, but also gives geologists sufficient time for comprehensive analysis and thinking and improves the understanding of regional geological development and tectonic evolution. With the continuous development and improvement of computer mapping and 3S technology, China has possessed a large number of precise geological maps and databases, such as geological, mineral, hydrological, environmental, geophysical, and geochemical exploration maps and databases of different scales, nationwide and regional. China's geological mapping has entered into the

Development and Research Center of China Geological Survey

National Geological Library of China/Geoscience Documentation

X. Wu (\*) · F. Qi · Y. Shang · J. Meng

Center, China Geological Survey, Haidian District, P.R. China

G. Liu

(National Geological Archives of China), Xicheng District, Beijing, P.R. China e-mail: wxuan@mail.cgs.gov.cn

new era of information, electronic, networked, and large numbers.

In July 1999, the China Geological Survey chose the Meishan section distribution area of Changxing, Zhejiang, as one of the first series of new national mapping projects. The projects have had an impact on the basic geological mapping of stratotypic sections and are significant at home and abroad. The Meishan Township sheet is the first candidate section of the international Changxing Stage standard section and the International Permian-Triassic Boundary Stratotype Section. That is, it is a support map of the global stratotype section and point (GSSP; commonly read as "Golden Spike") and is characterized by high-resolution, high-precision stratigraphic units (e.g., fossil zone, isochronous event stratum, high-frequency cycle stratum, boundary stratum) and integrated stratigraphy (Fig. 5.1).

This map comprehensively analyzes the special geological and geomorphological features of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau unit in the context of the global tectonic pattern. In addition, it highlights recent achievements and insights of geological surveys and other scientific research. It also showcases outstanding achievements in regional geological surveys of and geological research in this area. As such, the map represents a new level of expertise achieved by Chinese geologists. Additionally, it represents the best map for international geologists seeking a comprehensive, objective, and detailed understanding of the general geological picture of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau as well as the composition, structure, and evolution of each orogenic belt (Fig. 5.2).

This map was designated a pilot digital geological map for western China by the China Geological Survey (October 2001). This pilot project at a scale of 1:250,000 established and improved the current technical requirements for digital mapping using an entire sheet at the same scale. In addition, it provided information and a foundation for teaching digital geologic mapping, the development of software and hardware for a computer-assisted field mapping system and international exchange (Fig. 5.3).

<sup>©</sup> The Author(s) 2019 103 C. Li et al. (eds.), *The Beauty of Geology: Art of Geology Mapping in China Over a Century*, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-3786-4\_5

**Fig. 5.1** Geological map of the People's Republic of China (H50E006023 Meishan Township sheet) [1]

This map is the first to fully describe the Asian continent and adjacent waters. In addition, it is the first Asian geological map with a spatial database, thus representing a significant advance toward the digitalization of Asian geology. It is also the latest, most comprehensive international geological map of Asia and has been recognized as a masterpiece and a milestone in the history of Asian geoscience research (Fig. 5.14).

**Fig. 5.2** Geological map of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and adjacent areas (1:1,500,000) [2]

**Fig. 5.3** Geological map of the People's Republic of China (J48C004001 Minhe Hui-Tu Autonomous County sheet) [3]

**Fig. 5.4** Geochemical map of gold deposits in the general chemical prospecting area of the copper-nickel metallogenic belt in Taga and Korla, Xinjiang [4]

**Fig. 5.5** Geological mineral map of the People's Republic of China (Yulin City sheet) [5]

**Fig. 5.6** Geological map based on a photogrammetric interpretation of satellite imagery of the People's Republic of China (Yulin City sheet) [6]

**Fig. 5.7** Digital tourism resources distribution map of the People's Republic of China (Yulin City sheet) [7]

**Fig. 5.8** Digital earthquake epicenter distribution map of the People's Republic of China (Yulin City sheet) [8]

**Fig. 5.9** Digital vegetation and crop distribution map of the People's Republic of China (Yulin City sheet) [9]

**Fig. 5.10** Geophysical integrated anomaly map of the No. 23 Line for general prospecting of the copper polymetallic deposit south of Kenshan, Xin Barag Right Banner, Inner Mongolia [10 ]

**Fig. 5.11** Geological map of China (J-50 Beijing sheet, 1:1,000,000) [11]

**Fig. 5.12** Distribution map of geochemical exploration sites in the Kayilti River region, Hustogus District, Xinjiang [12]

**Fig. 5.13** Karst water distribution and an environmental geological map of the Nanqiu River Basin [13]

**Fig. 5.14** International geological map of Asia (Scale: 1:5,000,000) [14]

**Fig. 5.15** Aeromagnetic anomaly map of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region [15]

#### **References**


**Open Access** This chapter is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons. org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons licence and indicate if changes were made.

The images or other third party material in this chapter are included in the chapter's Creative Commons licence, unless indicated otherwise in a credit line to the material. If material is not included in the chapter's Creative Commons licence and your intended use is not permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder.