GGU's photogeological laboratory: aerial photogrammetry – a valuable geological mapping tool in Greenland

Abstract

Geological mapping in Greenland is generally greatly helped by the use of vertical aerial photographs. Bedrock surfaces are normally well exposed, vegetation is sparse in most parts of the country and glacial deposits can be scattered or completely washed away. Consequently, geological features such as bedding, stratigraphical boundaries and large-scale structures are commonly visible on aerial photographs. Since its establishment in 1946 as an independent institution, the Geological Survey of Greenland (GGU) has made extensive use of aerial photographs during mapping campaigns, and photogeological interpretation has played an important role in Copenhagen during map compilation.