This dataset results from mapping the surficial geology, and sand and gravel deposits with aggregate potential in the McLennan area (NTS 83N). This shapefile shows where materials and geology were observed at natural outcrops, sand and gravel pits, hand auger holes, and excavations dug by a backhoe. The type, thickness and order of the observed materials are described in the attribute table. Map 536 is a PDF version generated from the shapefiles.

This GIS dataset is a compilation of existing surficial map information for Alberta, edited for mapping continuity and generalized to make it suitable for presentation and use at 1:1,000,000 scale. It is the dataset used to create Alberta Geological Survey Map 601: Surficial Geology of Alberta. The data were prepared from an intermediate dataset (Alberta Geological Survey DIG 2013-0001), which was edgematched and then the boundaries between similar polygons were 'dissolved.' The residual dataset was then generalized selectively using the Geological Survey of Canada's GeoScaler software. We then added attributes describing the generalized polygons, including unit description, texture, genetic group, and geological age. The data were created as an Esri file geodatabase feature class and exported for public distribution as an Esri shapefile called Surf1M_py_ll.shp. The layer file Surf1M_py_ll.lyr is also included for the convenience of Esri software users (version 9.2).

This GIS dataset is a result of the compilation of all existing Alberta Geological Survey sand and gravel geology and resource data into digital format. Data sources include Alberta Geological Survey maps and reports produced between 1976 and 2006. References are provided as an attribute so the user can refer back to the original maps and reports. Attributes include study level, material description, references, area, sand and gravel thickness, and gravel and sand volumes. In 2009, data from newly mapped area NTS 83N/NE were added.