Modern mining can be made more efficient through geography. Tabular and spatial data sets used for mining are readily obtained, developed, and interpreted using geographic principles. GIS technology turns geographic information into the fuel that can drive the mining industry to whole new levels of productivity. When data is gathered, a GIS combines mapping, spatial, and time and space technology to provide the essential information for effective mining. Three-dimensional databases can map data that has been collected over years, helping companies determine where to mine and plan a course of action that is easily understood. There are countless benefits from the use of GIS within the mining industry.

GIS is also used to study and manage caves and karst. Many environmental consulting companies use GIS to solve problems in karst areas. State and local government agencies incorporate karst layers in their GIS databases to use in daily activities. Since the adoption of the Federal Cave Resources Protection Act of 1988, federal government agencies and independent caving organizations have explored the ways a GIS can help manage and protect cave resources.

Cave and karst GIS is effective in many ways. GIS is used to integrate and manage different kinds of karst data and create high-quality maps, incorporating many layers of information. Advanced rendering capabilities are used to visualize cave and karst features in 3D. Beyond simple tasks, GIS analytical and modeling capabilities increase knowledge about caves and karst, helping specialists make informed decisions. GIS is used to understand and mitigate the impacts of proposed landfills, highway construction, housing development, and land use changes in karst areas; determine cave potential; manage and model groundwater; and query and manage cave inventory data.

The articles in this section demonstrate the variety of ways caving and mining are using GIS today. We can learn much and gain inspiration from these examples and look forward to the continuing evolution and expansion of GIS in these industries. For more information, visit www.esri.com/cave and www.esri.com/mining on the Web.