Science activity

The Geologic Mapping Program was established to prepare and maintain a baseline source of the most current information on the framework geology of California. CGS geologists map and compile geologic maps of the state and its offshore continental margin at various scales. These efforts are partly supported by the U.S. Geological Survey through the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program The Geologic Mapping Program works in cooperation with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) through STATEMAP and SCAMP. Geologic mapping priorities are established under the direction of the State Geologist and the California Geologic Mapping Advisory Committee. The RGMP has also produced Statewide Geologic Maps at various scales, and Regional Geologic Maps at 1:250,000 scale. Currently the 2010 State Geologic Map of California (Geologic Data Map No. 2) at 1:750,000 scale (1 inch = approximately 12 miles) is the most detailed statewide map. A simplified geologic map at 1:2,250,000 scale is also available. The more detailed Regional Geologic Maps at 1:250,000 scale are available for the entire state a​s part of the Geologic Atlas of California series or the Regional Geologic Map series. As mentioned above, more recent maps in the Regional Geologic Map series are being prepared at 1:100,000 scale. These are available from CGS Publications and our Preliminary Geologic Maps web page​. Many CGS geologic maps can also be found through the CGS Information Warehouse.