Geological Map of Italy at 1:100.000 scale

The preparation of the 1:100.000 scale of the geological map of Italy started in 1877, also due to the catalytic effect generated by similar initiatives that were at the same time carried out in Europe. The Italian project aimed at harmonising the several maps already existing at different scales over the national territory. Due to the geological and mine-related importance of the Sicily Region, the map sheets of that area were the first to be published between 1884 and 1886. Afterward, the project covered the area around Rome (1888) and the Calabria Region (1895-1900). The serious political and economical situation during the following years and the beginning of the First World War temporary stopped the works until 17th February 1927, when a King Decree (n. 346) established the re-organisation of the Geological Survey. The completion of the North-Eastern part of Italy (Tre Venezie) could be pursued. A second stop was induced by the Second World War a continued over the post-war years.

Only in 1960 a new piece of legislation (n.15 of 3 January 1960 “Completamento ed aggiornamento della Carta Geologica d’Italia”), allowed to re-start the works. Such a law, besides authorising an extraordinary expenditure by the Government to sustain the project, foresaw a participation and practical contribution also by universities, public administrations and private bodies. Moreover, another law (n. 68 of 2 February 1960) integrated the Geological Survey into the national cartographic bodies. The remaining map sheets could then be finalised and published (276 sheets out of 277) in February 1976; sheet 181 (Tempio Pausania) was never published.

132 second editions were since then produced in the form of either real revisions or updating. Nevertheless, the Geological Map of Italy at a 1:100.000 scale is, currently, the only official geological map of the Italian territory until, at least, the completion of the new 1:50.000 scale map (CARG project)..