Maine Geological Survey

About the Maine Geological Survey

In 1836, the Maine Legislature authorized the first geological survey of the State, thus beginning a process of geological inquiry which continues today. A modern geological survey with full-time staff and an active field program evolved by the early 1940s to meet the resource demands of a growing population and the strategic mineral needs of a nation at war. Program emphasis through this early period was on economic resources including dimension stone, ore minerals, and clay. In the 1960s and 1970s a major exploration boom was fueled in part by the Survey's detailed reports on ore deposits. While economic aspects remain a part of Survey programs, the burgeoning population of southern and coastal Maine has required us to refocus our resources toward ground water and coastal marine issues. By using a modern geographic information system we are improving the analysis of map information and our ability to make high quality maps available to the public.