Everything (Well, Almost) You've Always Wanted to know About Your Land

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GEOLOGIC MAPS

If you plan to develop any water sources or build with native stone on your land, a geologic map can be an invaluable tool. The fact that such a chart can usually be had for just a dollar or two makes it a wise investment. The geologic map uses as its base a topographic drawing, complete with contour lines and elevation markings (although the colors are usually omitted), plus a system of dotted lines and letter symbols to represent the rock formations in the area. It will also indicate any mineral deposits that might be hiding underground.

Before you even begin to search for a likely well site, you can use a geologic map of your land to locate porous rock formations—such as sandstone or timestone—that might hold precious water. You may also want to know what kind of stone you might expect to find that could be used as a building material. Geologic maps are available through the Geological Survey of most states. We contacted the Geologic Office in Nashville, and found that we could order a map of the area we were interested in for only 25¢! (EDITOR'S NOTE: Again, such prices can vary greatly. In MOTHER's home state of North Carolina, for example, a geologic map is sold for anywhere from $2.00 to $5.00.)

A FANTASY COME TRUE

Although some folks might consider it a real burden to study and interpret the specialized maps I've mentioned here, we found it really easy—and rather exciting—to familiarize ourselves with our piece of land this way. (And it may be the only way to do it, if you live too far from the acreage to make a series of firsthand inspection trips.) Furthermore, poring over a collection of strange, seemingly indecipherable maps can be sort of like visiting your own fantasy land . . . except that when you finally do get a chance to walk the turf, your "on-paper" vision will be transformed into an earthy reality!

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