The generation of new mineral exploration targets is data-driven and the Department for Energy and Mining has recognised that our data has to be developed to support modern exploration.
The future requires near real-time, seamless, high quality digital geological data which is compatible with machine learning and artificial intelligence programs.
The South Australian Discovery Mapping (SADM) project aims to do just that by modernising the capture, management, delivery, and scope of South Australia's pre-competitive geological map datasets.
This project will provide extensive support to industry and assist with de-risking areas of the state.
Project summary
SADM has three integrated components:
- Develop a modern data management and delivery system which integrates with existing databases now, and into the future.
- Design and build a data capture system to manage the capture of new geological data with in-built quality control.
- Translate and integrate existing geological data / legacy data.
The system is being developed to deliver modern geological data South Australia-wide, however the initial focus will be on the Gawler Craton Airborne Survey (GCAS) region with the aspiration for future expansion to the rest of the state.
This project will exponentially improve upon the geological map data currently available for mineral exploration and the general public. The diagram below demonstrates the level of detail to be delivered by the project through the geological interpretation of the GCAS data (right) in comparison with the existing solid geology (left).
The SADM project will deliver significantly improved and seamless geological map and associated data in a format that better meets the business needs of mineral explorers and data scientists. This will facilitate mineral exploration targeting using machine-learning, thus supporting the development of the mineral resources sector in South Australia.
Project diary
April 2024
The SADM compilation team has been inspecting and sampling drill core from the poorly exposed and understood regions of the northern and southwest Gawler Craton. The collected samples will be dated, providing important constraints on the age of the rocks and timing of the deformation they experienced. This information will be used to improve the attribution of the spatial features.
January 2024
SADM’s key priorities in 2024 shift from development to implementation. Data compilation continues to pull together mapping and attributes for the Gawler Phase 2 (GP2) and western GCAS region, which will be followed by the import and stitching of best data from the rest of the State.
View the SADM presentation from Discovery Day 2023
August 2023
Significant work has been done on SADM with exciting milestones achieved.
- The enterprise spatial database has been completed.
- Map compilation has begun, using consistent interpretation methodologies to ensure seamless results for users.
- South Australian Digital Explanatory Notes (DEN) are being developed to ensure standard definitions across stratigraphic units, geological provinces, events and time slices.
The team expect to highlight some of the SADM workflows at Discovery Day 2023.
April 2023
The Gawler Craton Airborne Survey was completed in July 2019 and provided detailed airborne magnetic, radiometric, and digital elevation coverage across approximately 30% of South Australia and 55% of the Gawler Craton.
A new report book – A user’s guide to the Gawler Craton Airborne Survey magnetic field datasets: visualisation and interpretation – provides a useful guide on how to make the best use of the GCAS magnetic field datasets, which are a valuable resource for those wanting to understand the geology and mineral potential of the Gawler Craton.
These datasets are critical for the new interpretation of the Gawler Craton’s basement geology, which is being undertaken as part of the SA Discovery Mapping project.
Download the report book and data
December 2022
At Discovery Day 2022 Dr Megan Williams updated the audience on the stratigraphic definition work being undertaken as part of SA Discovery Mapping and explores how the fundamental work of stratigraphic definition can provide new avenues for investigation of geology and mineralisation potential.
View the SADM presentation from Discovery Day 2022
November 2022
A new article in the MESA Journal highlights the work done, and the data available, on aeromagnetic images as part of the SA Discovery Mapping project. The article Aeromagnetic images of the Gawler Craton: enhancements serving geological interpretation using the HSV colour model looks at a procedure for image enhancement applied to the aeromagnetic component of the Gawler Craton Airborne Survey (GCAS). These enhanced images will support the new digital, machine readable and optimised mapping being developed through SA Discovery Mapping.
November 2022
System design and data compilation for a new Digital Explanatory Notes feature in SARIG are underway. These notes will contain concise and up-to-date information about the stratigraphy, provinces and geological history of South Australia to accompany new map data.
September 2022
The system build for SADM has begun and will leverage the ArcGIS Enterprise environment capability to deliver robust data validation and automation workflows management system. The system build is the backbone of SADM and configuring it correctly will ensure the data compilation phase of the project runs smoothly.
Project resources
Digital to the Core 2021–2025. The Geological Survey of South Australia's 5 year digital strategy lays out the extensive digital focus and new initiatives being developed to support exploration. (PDF, 3.2 MB)
