State Survey

The systematic collection, interpretation and characterization of the geological and geophysical properties of the entire state territory is one of the focal points of the national survey at GeoSphere Austria.

This knowledge forms an important foundation for diverse application areas such as spatial planning, natural hazard prevention, and the sustainable use of natural resources like raw materials, water, and energy. The corresponding data collection is carried out directly by GeoSphere Austria through mapping conducted by experts in the field using various geological and geophysical measurement methods. These raw data from the field may include measurements, recordings, image and sample materials, which are catalogued in databases for subsequent interpretation and may be analysed in laboratories for composition and age dating.

In addition to the data collected in the field, GeoSphere Austria also possesses a multitude of external data provided by third parties, such as mining companies, civil engineering firms and private individuals. This can include core samples, borehole measurements, reports and other sample materials.

Verified external data and field data form the basis for the creation of high quality and standardized products and services, such as maps, publications, and consulting services. Selected fossils, minerals, rocks, and core samples from the national survey are also available for science, industry and knowledge dissemination through reference collections.

The national survey represents an ongoing process due to new methodological approaches, changing questions, increasing accuracy demands and new geodynamic development theories.

The official topographic maps of the federal territory provide the foundation for geological and geophysical mapping. A multitude of geoscientific information is noted on these maps, such as the spatial distribution, orientation and age of classified geological rock units, natural resources, fault lines, landslides and geophysical properties, to name just a few. In a complex process, many subfields of geosciences such as petrology, sedimentology, geochemistry, palaeontology, mineralogy, geophysics, engineering geology, and hydrogeology significantly contribute to this effort. Satellite, airplane, helicopter and drone-based remote sensing methods support the database obtained from field surveys.

Geophysical measurement methods record large-scale deviations from normal values in areas such as radioactivity and the Earth´s magnetic field. The measurement of airborne radioactive radiation as well as ground radioactivity is significant from the perspective of radiation protection to assess terrestrial radiation exposure to the population. The measured deviations of the Earth´s magnetic field can have causes in the Earth´s core, crust, or upper atmosphere. Here, slowly and rapidly changing causes can be distinguished. For geoscientific mapping, slowly changing causes are especially relevant, attributable to processes in the Earth´s core and the varying magnetic properties of rock bodies in the crust. Periodic measurement of these properties form the basis for calculating the direction and intensity of the Earth´s magnetic field, which are important parameters in navigation technology.

Furthermore, geophysical measurement methods such as ground-penetrating radar and geo-electrics are used for imaging near-surface areas. Ground-penetrating radar is used to detect near-surface structures, such as archaeological artefacts. Geo-electrical measurements can map areas with varying resistances in the subsoil, thereby supporting the mapping of groundwater bodies and landslides.

Geological and geophysical two-dimensional and three-dimensional maps, as well as vertical profiles, form the basis for the spatial understanding of the subsurface. These are available in varying levels of detail, regional and supra-regional scales. This information serves as an important foundation for applications in raw material and groundwater exploration, spatial planning and natural hazard prevention. A systematic understanding of the geological and geophysical properties of the country thus significantly contributes to the development of adaptation measures to climate change and the management of natural disasters.