ABSTRACT: More Information from Computer-Contoured Maps; Regional Component Mapping and Kriging--Reading Between Lines

Jeffrey M. Yarus, Charles R. Vestal, Claudia L. Blauer

The accessibility of computers and modestly priced mapping software has brought computer contouring to the desktops of geoscientists. Unlike years past, scientists today do not have to be computer or mathematics specialists in order to be productive users. Sophisticated graphic-user interfaces allow even the most novice computer user to produce graphic-quality maps. Yet, no guarantee exists that such maps are better than those

generated by hand. In fact, experienced geoscientists often find computer-generated maps to be inferior.

Regional component mapping (RCM) is a method by which more reliable computer maps can be generated. This technique, which is simple to use, produces more realistic maps and offers the user information regarding the reliability of the mapped surface given the data density and distribution. RCM is not an alternative to geostatistical kriging but is a systematic and intuitive procedure which helps geoscientists select the best mapping parameters (mapping algorithm, grid size, search technique, etc.). It can be used in conjunction with kriging to aid in understanding and often improving kriged results.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91003©1990 AAPG Annual Convention, San Francisco, California, June 3-6, 1990