GIS APPLICATIONS IN GEOLOGICAL MAPPING AND GEOCHEMICAL SURVEYS OF THE RUTSHURU PLAIN

P. Yamba, T. Kantu, L.V. Biesen

Abstract

One of the most handicaps for developing countries in the field of environmental management is, besides gaps in environmental information and inadequate communication systems including basic telephone facilities and Internet connectivity, the lack of basic and thematic information on natural resources. For example, in the context of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), topographic maps as well as land cover, vegetation, geological, hydrological and pedological maps, where they exist, were mainly produced during the 1950s, 1960s or 1970s and therefore are outdated. This situation compromises country capacity to generate environmental information and manage the sustainability of natural resource in the region.<BR />The geological mapping and geochemical surveys of the sedimentary deposits of the Rutshuru Plain have been selected as an example to improve geological resource management by using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology. Geological information can play a vital role in environmental planning. Indeed, over short distances, the non-consolidated sediments may have horizontally, as well as vertically greatly different properties, e.g., with regard to bearing capacity, cohesion, permeability, and these causes great differences in usage as well as in vulnerability within small area. The main goal of this study is to improve management of geological resources in a small area of DRC.

Keywords

Geographic information systems (GIS), geological mapping, geochemical surveys, and resource management

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IMEKO-WC-2000-TC19-P585.pdf

DOI

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IMEKO TC

TC19 - Environmental Measurements

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