Where can I get the Alberta Geological Survey bedrock map?

AGS Map 600 (Bedrock Geology of Alberta) and Map 601 (Surficial Geology) are open data on the AGS open data hub. The Atlas draws both directly from the AGS tile services, so you can stack them with wells, mines and mineral occurrences.

INTERACTIVE MAP · PUBLIC DATA

Alberta geology map

The Alberta Geological Survey's 1:1,000,000 bedrock geology (Map 600) and surficial geology (Map 601) as map tiles, with mapped faults and fold axes, bedrock topography and drift thickness available in the layer panel.

Bedrock geology tells you which formation is at the bedrock surface, the first screen for silica sand, limestone, ironstone, bentonite and shallow coal. Surficial geology and drift thickness tell you what you would have to strip to reach it.

Open the interactive map ↗All Alberta maps

QUESTIONS THIS MAP ANSWERS

Frequently asked

Where can I get the Alberta Geological Survey bedrock map?: AGS Map 600 (Bedrock Geology of Alberta) and Map 601 (Surficial Geology) are open data on the AGS open data hub. The Atlas draws both directly from the AGS tile services, so you can stack them with wells, mines and mineral occurrences. More

DATA BEHIND THIS MAP (7)

Official sources

Bedrock geology of Alberta (Map 600 tiles)Alberta Geological Survey · Bedrock geology · drawableWhich formation is at the bedrock surface: the first screen for outcropping targets such as silica sand, limestone, ironstone, bentonite, ammonite shell and shallow coal.
Surficial geology of Alberta (Map 601 tiles)Alberta Geological Survey · Surficial geology · drawableCover type and thickness proxy; controls aggregate, placer, peat and indicator-mineral dispersal trains.
Bedrock structures: faults, thrusts, fold axesAlberta Geological Survey · Structure, depth & isopach · drawableFault corridors focus brines, helium and MVT fluids and control Foothills coal geometry.
Bedrock topography (DIG 2020-0022 tiles)Alberta Geological Survey · Structure, depth & isopach · drawableBuried valleys and bedrock highs: where cover is thin (cheap stripping) and where preglacial gravels pool.
Sediment (drift) thickness above bedrockAlberta Geological Survey · Structure, depth & isopach · drawableOverburden cost for open-pit targets and the depth of cover that geophysics must see through.
3D Provincial Geological Framework: Precambrian subcrop zonesAlberta Geological Survey · Structure, depth & isopach · drawableEntry point to the provincial 3D framework: which Paleozoic zone sits on basement controls helium traps, brine aquifers and storage seals.
Geology of Canada compilation (GSC raster)Natural Resources Canada – GSC · Bedrock geology · drawableHarmonizes Alberta units with Saskatchewan, BC and NWT geology for cross-border play continuity.

COMMODITY PROFILES

Reserves, value and feasibility

Silica sand Limestone, dolomite, cement & lime Iron & vanadium (Clear Hills ironstone)Bentonite, clay & shale Sand & gravel aggregate

Operations on this map

Exshaw cement plant & quarryQuarry · Lafarge Canada (Holcim)Operating
Exshaw lime plant & quarryQuarry · GraymontOperating
Cadomin QuarryQuarry · Heidelberg MaterialsOperating
Peace River frac-sand quarrySilica sand · Source Energy ServicesOperating
Sil Industrial Minerals — BruderheimSilica sand · Sil Industrial MineralsOperating
Firebag silica (AMI Silica)Silica sand · Athabasca Minerals / AMI Silica (Badger Mining)Permitting
Susan Lake gravel pitAggregate pit · Athabasca Minerals / Fort McKay partnersOperating
Clear Hills iron–vanadium (Rambling Creek)Metallic exploration · Ironstone Resources (dormant)Exploration

Frequently asked

Official sources

Reserves, value and feasibility

Operations on this map

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