Using a Geographic Information System as a tool in mineral exploration

CIM Bulletin, Vol. 85, No. 957, 1992

Robert W. Plummer, Steffen, Robertson and Kirsten (B.C.) Inc.

This paper describes the use of Geographic Information Systems (CIS) as a tool for mineral exploration by using the Eskay Creek area of northern British Columbia as an example. Data entry, analysis and output are discussed. Examples of some of the capabilities of the technology are presented. The main benefit of the technology is being able to perform complex and sophisticated searches of large and diverse data sets to highlight exploration targets. A GIS is a powerful data management tool that can be used in mineral exploration. It is a computer based system that is designed for the collection, storage and analysis of objects and phenomena where geographic location is an important characteristic. The main function of the GIS is to produce information for the geologist from a variety of sources (geology, geophysics, geochemistry, mineral deposits and so forth) quickly and efficiently. This allows the geologist to examine large amounts of data in a fraction of the time than can be done using conventional manual methods.

Keywords: Computer applications, Geographic Information Systems, Exploration.