Exploration Period (1935–1953): The First Step Toward Standardization

In 1936, Huang Jiqing published the Problems of Colouring and Symbols of Geological Maps of China, Nan Yanzong’s Discussion on the Usage of Igneous Rock Patterns on Geological Maps and Wang Bingzhang’s Discussion on Symbols Colouring and Patterns of Geological Maps in 1937, which made the first step toward “unification” and “standardization” in geological mapping in China.

Through the compilation of these maps, breakthrough of zero geological map in mainland China has been achieved.
A series of geological maps during this period systematically summarized and reflected the achievements of geological survey and geological research in China in the first half of the twentieth century, provided important basic geological data for the planning and deployment of geological work in the First Five-Year Plan of the state, and laid a solid foundation for the future comprehensive geological mapping. In addition to the gradual standardization of geological maps, there are many vivid, interesting, and exquisite hand-drawn drawings that show the beauty of nature from the perspective of geologists. This is a pencil drawing by early geologists of rock mineral specimens examined under a microscope. The detail demonstrates the professionalism and rigor of the scientists ( Fig. 3.1).
The map clearly and concisely depicts geologic columnar profiles of Jurassic strata in Wenquanxia, Caijiagou, and elsewhere ( Fig. 3.2).
In these multi-color regional geological maps, strata and rocks are distinguished using different colors and patterns, mostly in yellow and green. Place names are labeled, and both Chinese and English names are provided for the most important locations. The requirements of a standard geological map are generally satisfied: the map has detailed legend, frame, latitude and longitude lines, and latitudinal and longitudinal coordinates; only compass rose is missing ( Fig. 3.3).
The sketch adopts a diagonal composition and depicts the geology with lines of various thicknesses and colors. The yellowed paper is rich in old-fashioned charm ( Fig. 3.5).
These generously illustrated diagrams vividly depict the tools and engineering operations of fieldwork during the early period of geological exploration (Figs. 3.8, 3.9, 3.10).
Blueprint of geological map with distinct lines and complete and orderly legends and patterns ( Fig. 3.11).
Using ink and watercolors, the map depicts the strata and rock formations of the Huize section prospecting projects along the Xufu-Kunming Railway, with geographic grid and scale ( Fig. 3.12).
Consists of three sketches drawn using single lines, with distinct layers and clear labels ( Fig. 3.14).
A depiction of macroscopic geological bodies and an objective description of local geomorphology that superbly integrates geology and aesthetics ( Fig. 3.16).
Ancient paper with distinct lines and colored by crayon ( Fig. 3.17).
The profile consists of three small sections, with detailed, well-rendered geological features at a glance ( Fig. 3.18).
The geological map is rich in content and cleanly drawn in single lines (Fig. 3.19).
From 1945 to 1948, under the leadership of Jiqing Huang, the director of the Regional Geological Research Office of the China Geological Survey, 14 sheets of geological map with standard sheet divisions on the scale of 1:1,000,000 were compiled. The map compilation systematically summarizes and depicts the achievements of the national geological survey in 1948 and represents the first L. Jia (*) · X. Li · Y. Shang · X. Gao · J. Meng Development and Research Center of China Geological Survey (National Geological Archives of China), Xicheng District, Beijing, P.R. China national geological map of mainland China. The depicted sheet is bilingual (Chinese and English) with bright colors and was published based on a print from a fair drawing (Fig. 3.21).
A depiction of macroscopic geological bodies and an objective description of local geomorphology are integrated by the sketch artist. With its small number of strokes, the geological map has the appeal of a landscape painting (Fig. 3.22).
The combination of clear, smooth single lines and coloring makes the map appealing and orderly. The map is in double-line frame, with latitudinal and longitudinal coordinates (Fig. 3.24).
These diagrams are drawn in crayon, mainly red and green. The clean lines objectively portray the local geomorphology while giving consideration to the art of sketching. The viewers feel as if they are in the midst of mountains rising on both sides (Fig. 3.25).                     Open Access This chapter is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons. org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons licence and indicate if changes were made.
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