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Research paper : Creation of seamless geological map of Japan at the scale of 1:200,000 and its distribution through the web (K. Wakita et al.)−84 Synthesiology - English edition Vol.1 No.2 (2008) of satellite images and aerial photos, which are ground surface information collected in short range of time. Their space-time distribution density and accuracy are much more uniform compared to geoinformation. Of course, there still exist some elements that must be harmonized (data matching) in satellite images and aerial photos, such as photographic equipments and weather conditions. However, the vast amount of information enables application of statistical approach to data matching, and the problems are being solved gradually. The purpose of our challenge in harmonizing geological maps is to improve limited underground information so we may utilize them conveniently as ground surface information.4 Research trend in other countriesQuestion (Akira Ono)I think seamless geological maps are attracting attention abroad. What are the research trends in other countries? And what is the level of Japanese research in comparison?Answer (Koji Wakita)Opinion on harmonization is divided among Asia, Europe, and the United States. France is promoting harmonization not only at 1:200,000 scale but also at 1:50,000, while the UK advocates using original maps. Some of the Eastern European countries like Czech Republic and Asian countries like Korea are conducting harmonization at around 1:200,000 scale. However, there is essential difference in geology of Japan compared to these countries. Japanese geology is much more complicated and unique, because Japan is part of active island arcs. This geological condition requires us to develop unique models. Thick vegetation and soil layer hamper us from obtaining sufficient information. We must revise geological maps drastically as advances are made in research. We face these difficulties today. On the other hand, geological maps of Europe and the United States, where most of their lands sit on stable continental crust, are relatively simple, and do not necessitate major revisions with advancement of earth sciences. Their geological maps can be harmonized easily, or in many cases, simply combined without seam-smoothing. This doesn’t mean our research level is inferior. In Japan, because of its unique geological situation, advancement in basic research directly affects the quality of geological maps. In my opinion, we cannot provide more detailed and more comprehensible geological information to the public unless we create seamless geological maps. Considering this unique geological condition, I believe our level of research for seamless geological maps is quite high compared to other countries. 5 Researches on geological mapsQuestion (Eikichi Tsukuda)I completely agree with your opinion that the study shows new direction for Type 2 Basic Research. However, I see problems in the logic that you consider all past geological surveys as Type 1 Basic Research. I understand that geological survey consists of both researches, while geological maps are created mainly by Type 2 Basic Research. I don’t think geological surveys are conducted only for the sake of scientific discovery. The past geological maps were made by amalgamating the results of Type 1 Basic Research, adding latest knowledge, and were individually optimized, but also went through the “valley of death.”It seems to me that you are overcoming the second “valley of death” by promoting the research of seamless geological map to conquer new obstacles in research. What is your opinion on this point?Answer (Koji Wakita)I completely agree with you that geological map research has both aspects of Type 1 and Type 2 Basic Research, as I described in the paper. However, I do not share your view that geological map research mainly focuses on Type 2 Basic Research. In my view of the present geological map project, current 1:50,000 scale maps are research reports, while 1:200,000 scale maps should be recognized as comprehensive thesis published when results are sufficiently accumulated. They reflect individual idea of the authors, so they may have quite different interpretations and descriptions on same formations or rocks, even if they were published around the same time. In case the researcher decided not to publish a geological map of an area, or couldn’t get enough information to publish, the area is left unpublished, even if there is great social demand. Stratigraphic division units are also independently named by each researcher and are not unified. This is why I said we haven’t made enough effort to increase social value of geological maps. In the study of geological maps, we don’t even have a general methodology to create social values, which is the principle of Type 2 Basic Research. This is the main reason that motivated us in the research of seamless geological map. Having discussed geological map study for years, we concluded that geological maps, especially the 1:50,000 scale, emphasize their feature as research results of field geology containing the latest outcomes of specialized academic fields. The basic stance of the study is to offer our product, the standardized technologies for field geological surveys, to the society by making the best maps with which scientists can conduct advanced researches in their respective fields. I realize that we simplified the role of Type 1 Basic Research to highlight the significance of seamless geological map that has aspect of Type 2 Basic Research. However, we recognize that this is a realistic description of research, considering the fact that the role of geological maps have greatly changed today from the first map that was created in Meiji Era.(12)−

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