Theory, methodology and practice of the Eco-Geological Tupu

Objective Since the deployment of the "Ecological Geological Survey" project by the China Geological Survey in 2019, eco-geology surveys have yielded multidimensional investigative results covering rocks, weathered crust, soil, hydrology, ecological patterns, and related issues nationwide. These findings, combined with factors such as geochemistry, climate and meteorology, topography, and human activities, have exceeded the traditional geological survey results in terms of graphical representation and content. Therefore, there is an urgent need for innovative forms of presenting these results to create a new type of geological survey map suitable for eco-geology surveys.

Methods This article explored the concepts of maps, spectra and geoscientific tupu in conjunction with the essence of ecological geology and introduced the concept of the "Eco-Geological Tupu" as a novel form of geological survey representation. The article defined the eco-geological tupu, highlighted its significance, outlined its main components, discussed its graphical composition, and outlined the compilation process.

Results The eco-geological tupu breaks through the limitations of traditional geological maps and comprehensively presents macro-scale remote sensing surveys, ground-based typical profile measurements, and microscopic testing and analysis results, thus achieving the integration of ecological and geological knowledge.

Conclusions Through practical applications in the Bashang Plateau and the Guangxi-Guangdong hilly region, it has been demonstrated that the eco-geological tupu is a suitable means of expressing survey results that meet the foundational and public interest needs of geological surveys in the new era. It can serve as a crucial reference for ecological protection and restoration in national land space and as a decision-making tool for eco-civilization. However, the eco-geological tupu is still in its initial development stage. To enhance its service value in the future, it is recommended to strengthen the construction of a national eco-geological tupu database and work on the informationization and intelligentization of eco-geological tupu.