An open-source, QGIS-based solution for digital geological mapping: GEOL-QMAPS

Digital geological mapping has progressed significantly with the advent of commercial GIS, GPS technologies, and portable devices over the past three decades. However, many software and app tools that enhance field data collection remain proprietary and specific to mapping projects or organisations, which limits their integration and sharing within the geoscientific community. This presentation will introduce GEOL-QMAPS, an open-source, QGIS-based solution designed for flexible and harmonised digital geological mapping, developed as part of the West African eXploration Initiative 4. GEOL-QMAPS includes a QGIS field data entry template and a custom QGIS plugin, both available on open-access online repositories. It supports fieldwork on tablets or mobile devices via QField app, integrates with desktop QGIS, and facilitates the creation of new and legacy field databases according to user-defined guidelines. The presentation will cover the general workflow for implementing GEOL-QMAPS and provide examples demonstrating its effectiveness both in the field and in office settings.