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Data and Documentation

The Montana Geology Framework data is the best available digital geology data representing the geologic features of the State of Montana. The geology theme is a constantly evolving data set. It is not a theme that is static. Although the rocks themselves might not change, what geologists think of them will definitely change. The Montana Bureau of Mines & Geology provides geologic data sets for 121 areas of Montana including metadata, reports, correlation charts, & unit descriptions.  

• MBMG map service list:  http://www.mbmg.mtech.edu/gis/gis-ArcGISservices.asp. The Bureau has an online web mapping service & geodata service for the 2007 State Geologic Map. The data are provided at the 1:500,000 scale and users should be aware of any limitations

• MBMG and USGS download coverage tiles (various scales):  http://www.mbmg.mtech.edu/gis/gis-datalinks.asp

• MBMG quad map digital data download:  http://www.mbmg.mtech.edu/gmr/gmr-statemap.asp#quadmaps

• MBMG special focus map digital data download:  http://www.mbmg.mtech.edu/gmr/gmr-statemap_sp.asp

Note: Each special focus zip file will extract into a folder containing Arc/Info export files (E00), metadata files, and a readme file with brief unit descriptions. The export files can be imported using Arc/Info import, ArcView Import 7.1, or ArcToolbox Import to Coverage. Other utilities may be capable of importing these data sets but are not supported by the Montana Bureau of Mines & Geology. Other data formats are not available.

• MBMG offline data may also be available: Contact the MBMG GIS Lab at 406-496-4653

• MSL Data List Geology download data:  Montana Data List Link (older data; 1:500,000 derived from 1955 maps)

Applications

None.

About

The Bureau distributes geologic map data collected from field research. Nearly all mapping projects are generated and distributed at a particular scale. The MBMG Publication Catalog contains a map pamphlet for each data set with the accompanying information. Current efforts focus primarily on completion of mapping at the 1:100,000 scale in western Montana. Special focus areas receive added emphasis due to growth or development interest in geologic information. Geologic data is used for natural resource development, land use planning, and hazard mitigation. Stakeholders include mineral and petroleum development companies, engineering and geotechnical firms, land use planners, university staff (professors and students), prospectors, and rock hounds. The geology theme is a constantly evolving data set. It is not a theme that is static. Although the rocks themselves might not change, what geologists think of them will definitely change.