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The image of subsurface geology

ABSTRACT There is an underuse of geological knowledge in society. Therefore, an unused potential of more informed decision-making and planning as well as improved solutions on societal challenges exist. The aim of this study was to better understand the geological map user and to improve the usability of geological map products. With the aim of improving graphical communication through maps and images, visual research methods are used. The sketch map method, which has been used since the 1960s, is used here to elicit information about people and their image subsurface geology of a city. The participants include students in area planning and experts within geology. Content, semiotic and visual analyses were performed on the sketches produced by the participants. The results show limited knowledge of geology and a lack of common geological language, both graphical and linguistic. Improved ways of representing the subsurface are identified, which can be used as input to more intuitive future designs. Adapting to the user’s image of subsurface geology, usability could be increased by using plain language, adding landmarks, pictographic symbols and patterns to geological visualizations. This could potentially lower the user threshold, trigger interest and raise the awareness of local urban geology.