When launching the WAGeology app, Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Marmion said the WA government and industry were working smarter to maintain the state’s global mining leadership and resource sector jobs.

The app is one of a series of innovations highlighted at today’s Geological Survey of WA’s annual open day. Another was three dimensional resource modelling to improve exploration targeting.

Marmion said the app put incredibly detailed geological maps at explorers’ fingertips.

“Importantly for prospectors and explorers, the app includes measuring, drawing and mapping tools with the advantage of GPS accuracy,” he said.

The app was developed from the Department of Mines and Petroleum’s digital database.

“This is living technology and the information and services on the app will continue expanding,” Marmion said.

“One of the next steps will be to build in a caching facility so information is available on your smartphone or tablet even when you are out of mobile signal range.”

Three dimensional data showcased to the industry included the recent Harvey-Waroona seismic survey, part of the South West Hub Carbon Capture and Storage project.

“Thanks largely to the efforts of GSWA, we’re nearing the end of what many geoscientists call the ‘cartoon era’ of two-dimensional mapping,” Marmion said.

“Major advances in our 3D systems mean we can now accurately visualise the earth’s crust, helping save explorers money by reducing uncertainty and risk.”