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Research paper−73 Synthesiology - English edition Vol.1 No.2 (2008) basic information of the underground, but also are the distinguished products of Type 1 Basic Researches that contribute to the construction of knowledge system[2][3].Geological maps are always compiled based on the latest geological model of the time. Since new geological models emerge with the progress of geology, it often happens that two maps compiled at different periods, even though they are adjacent, may be represented by different geological divisions and/or legend, and the distribution of formations may be discontinuous.Because of such inconveniences, we are faced with growing need to revise and update these geological maps made at different ages with latest model and knowledge obtained in field surveys. Expanding this operation nationwide will make geological maps more useful and helpful in our society. Likening the situation where current research become outdated and inapplicable as time goes by to the “valley of death” in research, we must promote Type 2 Basic Research to make past accomplishments more valuable and escape this situation. The research of seamless geologic maps aims to recreate valuable geoinformation for society.This study contributes not only to the development and management of useful geoinformation, but it also develops both Internet deliverable technologies that facilitate wider use of geological maps and standardization of interoperation among different spatial information. We also intend to develop, deliver, and utilize the information through the network in and outside Japan to provide Full Research. Up-to-date web delivery technologies can be applied to seamless geological map, to make data compliant to international standards. This is expected to stimulate faster and broader distribution of detailed and precise geoinformation. 1 IntroductionGeology has two major characteristics: first, it is a basic natural science that investigates natural phenomena on and beneath the earth’s surface; second, it is an applied science that explores natural resources in response to social requirements of the times. The first geological map created at the dawn of geology provided us with valuable knowledge and information about natural resources such as oil, coal, iron, and diamond[1]. It also introduced use to the mysteries of the underground. Today, geology continues to evolve and is accumulating comprehensive knowledge of the earth system. It also plays an important role as a practical science in many fronts such as natural resources, environment, and disaster prevention. This practical role is emphasized in the subtitle “Earth Science for Society” for the International Year of Planet Earth 2008.In Japan, numerous geological maps were published at different scales by the Geological Survey of Japan (the predecessor of present Geological Survey of Japan of the AIST) since its establishment in 1882. From the Meiji Era (late nineteenth century) to the reconstruction period after the Second World War, the geological maps were used as basic information for exploring mineral resources that contributed significantly to the development of industries. Presently, they are used as basic information for industrial locations, disaster prevention, and environmental studies. Particularly, the 1:200,000 scale geological maps were compiled and utilized as the most detailed maps covering the entire Japanese Archipelago.Geological maps, which were compiled by elaborate field survey followed by advanced research, provide the latest geological knowledge for the crustal development of the Japanese Archipelago. These maps contain not only - For maximum accessibility and utilization of geological information -Koji Wakita*, Toshie Igawa**, Shinji Takarada**and Yuichiro Fusejima***Geoinformation Center, AIST **Institute of Geology and Geoinformation, AIST Tsukuba Central 7, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8567, Japan * E-mail : A seamless geological map with unified legend was created at the scale of 1:200,000 covering the entire Japanese Archipelago. This was accomplished by harmonizing regional geological maps that were compiled in various ages. A research scenario from basic geological research to information technology (IT) for distribution of digital geological maps was designed. Type 2 Basic Research was proposed to distribute the interoperable data set of geological maps, which were transformed from the results of Type 1 Basic Research for geological mapping. Seamless geological mapping was finally proposed as a Full Research program in geological research field.Creation of seamless geological map of Japan at the scale of 1:200,000 and its distribution through the webKeywords : Geological map, seamless, web distribution, standardization, GeoSciML, GEO Grid[Translation from Synthesiology, Vol.1, No.2, p.82-93 (2008)](1)−

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