What is a geological map like?
All the geological maps consist of the same elements. Each institution entrusted of the realization of the geological maps establishes a sheet model. Here is the Geological map of Catalonia scale 1:25.000.
Each sheet is formed by a serie of basic elements: the geological map, the geological cross section, the legend, the geological outline, the stratigraphical outline, the stratigraphical columns, the conventional signs and the authors. According to the geological characteristics of the zone, other elements can be added.
The legend of a geological map allows us to know the different types of rocks that are represented in the geological map. The type of contact gives us the relation that each type of rock has with the rocks of his going round. The types of contacts among the different cartographic units are represented in the map according to the conventional signs.