Dear Damepaia,

I will add to your list:

• HCl bottle to check carbonates
• camera
• plastic bags to collect samples of your representative rocks according to the lithology, stratigraphy,etc...
• hand auger, usually use by soil scientist, it is helpfull also in geological mapping especially if you don't have nice outcrop. See the following  papers.
• check soil maps if available, they contain usefull informations on the geological substratum of the above soil. See the following papers.

Furthermore, I will advice you to follow road and rivers to find outcrops. I will also not make to deep pre-fieldwork processing of Arcgis,etc...let it for post-field work. I will just focus on topographic maps and use steoreoscopic image

Article The potential of soil survey as a tool for surface geologica...

Article The Use of Soil Surveys to Aid in Geologic Mapping with an E...

- A measuring device: tape and/or 1.5m measuring staff (useful to add to photos rather than a hammer of notebook) for scale.

- A plastic bag to keep your notebook/map dry if it rains.

Shillong looks like an interesting place to map geology. Called 'The abode of the clouds', Apple Maps satellite photos show it  to be almost cloud-free. However, geology of the area has been mapped in some detail by previous workers following Medlicott (1869) and the topography is well defined.

The best way to plan a cheap survey is in the library, reading everything that has been written about the geology of the area previously. (See: http://www.cibtech.org/J-GEOLOGY-EARTH-ENVIRONMENT/PUBLICATIONS/2014/Vol_4_No_2/JGEE-019-025-PRASAD-SHILLONG-INDIA’.pdf)

Since your key consideration is mineral resources, it is worth gaining a rudimentary understanding of geochemical analysis techniques. Your first step is to obtain water samples from the multitude of tributaries in the area, upstream of the highest village. Then submit these to a competent geochemical laboratory.

These results will point to zones that need detailed soil sampling and coring bedrock.

Leave structural and stratigraphic details to the academics at this stage.

Dear Damepaia S M Pdah

Geological mapping - a complex type of research. It can be cheap or expensive, depending only on the complexity and the degree of scrutiny and scale of the area (the waters).

 The cheapest version - if there is sufficient existing data - the layout of the general geological map (set of cards) available local (or older) cards. In this process we can use data from satellites.

  The most expensive version  - on unknown area (waters) - to begin with a study of aerial photographs, satellite photografy. Then made the field geophysical and geological reconnaissance work, then - the detailed geophysical and geological field work, which may include the drilling of wells, and the heavy seismic studies. And just to gather enough data (it usually takes several years), we can assemble a set of geological maps.

 In Russia we are doing geological mapping so.

  Regards   -    Vlad Anokhin

One of the best ways to carry out a successful field mapping project is to plan and implement a well organized and discussed field safety plan, especially including extraction procedures from the farthest point of ingress. Satellite phones are good and essential in some places, but being able to get to an injured party member who is unable to walk and/or ride out is definitely essential. Here are a number of results from a quick Google search on "field geology safety" that can be mined for their applicability to local conditions in mind.

https://water.usgs.gov/owq/FieldManual/Chap9/chap9.pdf

http://geology.usu.edu/files/uploads/forms/USU_Manual_of_Field_Safety_AppendD.pdf

http://nagt.org/nagt/teaching_resources/field/safety/index.html

http://www.geo.arizona.edu/sites/www.geo.arizona.edu/files/pictures/Physical_and_Safety_Requirements_for_Geology_Field_Camp.pdf

http://www.geologyglasgow.org.uk/excursions/field-safety/

http://geographyfieldwork.com/GeologyFieldworkRiskAssessments.htm

http://aipg.org/Students/studenttopics/So%20who%20is%20responsible%20for%20field%20safety.pdf

Also, begin with the end in mind -- a safe return with all of the data and samples required (but not necessarily all that were desired) and a clear plan not to have to go back OR else a clear plan as to why, where, when, and how you need to go back. In addition to all of the previously offered technical considerations, a safe and successful return with all hands in good condition, is the best and cheapest way to conduct field mapping.

Good luck,

Jim Coleman

All essential requirements to carryout  field work/mapping are mentioned above. I would add a few more requirements which I needed. A  good pocket hand lense to identify megascopically minerals to distinguish lithology especially in fine-medium grained rocks. Also a good base map(survey of India topographic maps) if available.

Damepaia, you have listed most of the vital things needed for field mapping however, you need to include chisel ( to trace and remove fossil), plastic container with secured cover (to keep fragile fossils), and sample bags (to collect rock and mineral samples).

I had already given my suggestion.

Hi Damepaia,I want to add a simple, cheap and very important for the structural mapping element; a Wulf or Schmidt Net, for apparent dip´s and other structural operations that are very useful in the field, at least in my little personal experience.

in addition, for a list more complete, check before the field, the magnetic declination of the compass.

Greetings from Patagonia.

In the  field work/ mapping excercise dips are always recorded on the base map and in field diary because outcrops can be completed only then. To carry more soilable papers in unpredictable  weather conditions is not safe.One can of course  use Nets in the camp since one has recorded dips.

Can any one suggest how to ask such questions and how to answer such questions? K.N.RAO

Dear Damepaia, you have already mentioned so many necessary and important things. But at the time of PRE-FIELDWORK survey you can add one most important thing about fauna and floora, because proper knowledge about the whole area can reduce the risk and cost.

The question is cheapest way of Geological Mapping? I think what has been said earlier is OK.

The most important tools to be used in your geologic mapping is your eyes. You need to train yourself to "see" what you are looking at. After a bit of time in the field you will see things that look similar and dissimilar and understand patterns that are developing. You can carry all the "stuff" you can think of but if you don't see what you are looking at in the field, the stuff is of no practical use.

The cheapest way of field mapping is to develop keen observation( to identify and distinguish rocks, minerals, fossils etc.), stamina to walk and climb, carry a hammer, chisel, hand lens, field bag, base map,a set  of geometry box  with soft pencils and coloured .pencils. Perhaps one can manage with these.