Editorial to the Geological Field Trips & Maps for TIDALITES 2022 Field Trip Guides
The 10th International Congress of Tidal Sedimentology (TIDALITES) takes place in Matera (Italy) from 3 to 5 May 2022. TIDALITES, sponsored by the University of ...
The collection of high-quality data is the basis for cutting edge science. However, field geological data that are synthesized in geological or thematic maps and guidebooks rarely receive the visibility they deserve and are often relegated to supplementary data repositories. Consequently, because preparing maps for publication is a labor-intensive activity, many maps and guidebooks often remain unpublished. In order to fill this gap in the geoscience literature, the aim of Geological Field Trips and Maps (GFT&M) is to promote field geology by making field geological data available to the broadest international audience and by ensuring the preservation, accessibility and citation of field trip guides and geological maps over time. GFT&M publishes online high-quality original geological and thematic maps with short notes, and geological guides relating to field excursions mainly offered during scientific conferences and workshops. The scientific quality is guaranteed by an international editorial board composed of experts in cartography and field geology belonging to various universities and national geological surveys. GFT&M is edited by the Italian Geological Society and the Geological Survey of Italy – ISPRA. It is open access and without publication fees paid by the authors.
GFT&M publishes geological guides and maps covering a wide range of topics related to Earth and planetary sciences, including stratigraphy, sedimentology, paleontology, structural geology, volcanology, petrology, metamorphic geology, geomorphology, engineering geology, tectonics and planetary geology, in areas of high geological interest worldwide. Emphasis is given to innovative techniques and applications. High-quality maps derived from national mapping projects (e.g., the Italian CARG Project etc.) that aim to summarize or explore in more detail specific scientific topics at a more appropriate scale are also welcome.
In recent years, field-geology and mapping activities have undergone a dangerous slowdown, accompanied by the interruption of many national cartographic projects, with repercussions also on traditional academic research and teaching activities. GFT&M intends to contribute to reversing this trend, adequately valorizing the products of field geology at an international level.