Abstract:
During the past three years, the technology of Geographic Information System (GIS) on Personal Computer (PC) environment has been widely used by marine geoscientists for many aspects of their scientific work. GIS is dedicated not only as an electronic database with geographic references, but it also performs several statistical analyses including thematic analysis as well. We have used MapInfo GIS technology for compiling the "Tectonic Map" of the Indo-Pacific offshore region. This program has been performed by compiling previous geological and geophysical data and information from different sources, managing, and pre- analysing of new marine cruise results. The compiled geological and geophysical data and information include exploration wells & ODP sites, piston core sediments and dredge samples, regional structural elements, geological cross sections or models, plate reconstructions, sedimentary and marginal basin parameters, magnetic anomalies and lineations, gravity, heat flow, locations of seismic sections. In addition are digitized maps, navigation and bathymetric charts as well as profiles. Various data and information collected and compiled within the MapInfo environment can be used at any time for providing graphical (map) and numerical (database) output to prepare several aspects of papers including scientific, mineral and hydrocarbon, geological hazard caused by earthquake and tsunami. All that element's database can be integrated by using "overlays" technique, moreover they are also providing a good opportunity to do several analyses including filtering, sorting, searching, and thematic analysis. This case study shows the application of GIS in the management of geoscientific aspect. It will increase of efficiency, proved rapid information and analysis, and the capability for producing professional looking maps with a high degree of accuracy. In addition, the non-technical aspects to be concerned, the availability GIS at scientists work office have been stimulating geoscientists with a special challenge and with a great exiting.