'Completed After 100 Years' National Basic Geological Map... "Turning Geological Data into Public Infrastructure"

Completion of 1:50,000 Scale National Basic Geological Map After 100 Years
Vital Public Infrastructure for Resource Exploration, Land Use, and Public Safety
3D Geological Information System Using AI to Be Established Starting Next Year

The Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM) has completed the National Basic Geological Map after more than 100 years of work and will begin the digital transformation of national geological information starting next year.

Researchers from the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources conducting field geological surveys. Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources.

On September 10, KIGAM held a ceremony at its main office in Daejeon to commemorate the completion of the National Basic Geological Map. The event was attended by more than 400 participants, including key officials from the government, the National Assembly, and the science and technology sectors, such as Vice Minister Gu Hyukchae of the Ministry of Science and ICT.

The National Basic Geological Map divides the southern region of the Korean Peninsula below the Demilitarized Zone into 357 areas, with each area charted into a 1:50,000 scale map sheet. The map represents geological structures—such as rock types, rock formation periods, and the distribution and sequence of strata—using symbols and colors.

The completed national map serves as a public infrastructure supporting various sectors, such as resource exploration, land use, and public safety. Its importance and utility are expected to grow with the climate crisis and increased use of underground spaces. Lee Seung Ryeol, Director-General of KIGAM's Geological Survey Research Headquarters, explained, "Geological maps are critical information used to solve engineering problems and reduce damage in areas such as construction and natural disasters."

This completion is the result of a century of accumulated field investigation experience and scientific progress by geologists. Mapping of 26 areas began in 1924, and the remaining 333 areas have been developed since 1962, starting with the Gangneung area. This year, the project was concluded with the final 10 map sheets covering mountainous regions, border areas, and islands, with the Jodo islands of Jindo County being the last to be completed. KIGAM stated that it took a century to complete the map, as each sheet required extensive field investigation, analysis, and a dedicated workforce.

Full-fledged Digital Transformation of National Geological Information Begins Next Year

Starting next year, KIGAM will actively promote the digital transformation and advancement of national geological information, aiming to make it quickly usable in practical affairs. To this end, the institute will build a standardized and digitized digital geological map and a geospatial information system (GIS). Going beyond two-dimensional, surface-focused geological information, KIGAM will also establish a national three-dimensional geological information system to visualize underground structures, laying the foundation for identifying underground resources, risks, and utilization potential beneath the national territory.

At the National Basic Geological Map Completion Media Day held on the 2nd, Lee Kyun Kwon, President of the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources, gave a speech. Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources.

Lee Kyun Kwon, President of the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources, stated, "By integrating geological data with artificial intelligence and digital twins, we will create new value that supports national resource security and public safety. The National Basic Geological Map will become a trusted treasure map that guides Korea's resource security, carbon neutrality, and safe utilization of underground spaces."

Meanwhile, the commemorative ceremony featured a screening of a video recounting the journey of geological survey research, as well as awards and a symbolic ceremony honoring researchers who have contributed to the creation of the national geological map and the advancement of geological surveys.

Vice Minister Gu expressed, "I extend deep respect and gratitude to all the researchers who have dedicated themselves throughout the country for a long period to complete the National Basic Geological Map. The Ministry will actively support KIGAM and Korea's geosciences so that they can continue to achieve world-class competitiveness."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.