Geological maps provide a summary of the distribution, character, age, and geological history of the rocks that underlie all land areas. As interpretive documents rather than simply presentations of data, they are essential tools for mineral and energy resource exploration, land-use planning and urban development, and assessing geological hazards such as landslides and earthquakes. Geological maps are an important information resource in modern society. Accordingly, their creation and interpretation are fundamental components of geoscience education programs worldwide, and numerous textbooks are available that provide introductions to these activities.