The Map Reading Guide provides an introduction to topographic maps that is suitable for anyone. This book is an ideal map reading manual for a wide range of map users. A map card, "roamer", is also included. <ul> <li>an explanation of what is a topographic map </li> <li>steps on how to read topographic maps, including explanations of map scale and how to use a map scale to calculate distance </li> <li>the differences between grid north, true north and magnetic north </li> <li>an explanation of symbols used on topographic map symbols</li> <li>how hills and mountains are shown on maps using relief shading, hypsometric tinting, and contours </li> <li>what a datum is and why there are different datum </li> <li>explanations of the difference between geographic and grid coordinates </li> <li>how to quote grid references from topographic maps </li> <li>how to plan a successful trip using topographic maps </li> <li>using Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers and magnetic compasses with topographic maps </li> <li>using a topographic map to find your current position and to set a course. </li> </ul>

4 reproducible student activities suggested answers Suitable for primary levels Year 6 and secondary level Years 7-8

This set of 15 Australian landslide images on CD-ROM with accompanying explanatory text illustrates the causes of landslides and other earth movements. Learn how people contribute to creating and mitigating such events. Landslide images include Thredbo, NSW, Sorrento Vic., Gracetown WA and Tasmania. Suitable for secondary level Years 7-12.

This is a mixture of maps and text explaining the area in fairly straightforward language.

This Australian volcanoes image set comprises 15 images on CD-ROM with accompanying descriptive text and student question/s for each image. Learn the history of Australia's hot spot volcanoes over 60 million years and examine 9 Australian volcanoes in detail. Suitable for primary levels Years 5-6 and secondary levels Years 7-10

This report describes the ornamental stones used in the ground floor foyer of the Geoscience Australia building. There are three ornamental stones used. The flooring tiles are basalt. The 'fault' line through this is a polished norite and the blade walls are covered by a Persian red Travertine. Investigations have established that the basalt and norite are from Australian quarries and the travertine is from an unknown source overseas possibly Italy.

A short animated movie to explain how stereo viewing works in the 3D VizLab.

The Map Reading Guide is an ideal resource for a wide range of map users and is an excellent and simplistic introduction to topographic maps which are suitable for anyone with an interest in maps. It contains: - an explanation of what is a topographic map - steps on how to read topographic maps, including explanations of map scale and how to use a map scale to calculate distance - the differences between grid north, true north and magnetic north - an explanation of symbols used on topographic map symbols - how hills and mountains are shown on maps using relief shading, hypsometric tinting, and contours - what a datum is and why there are different datum - explanations of the difference between geographic and grid coordinates - how to quote grid references from topographic maps - how to plan a successful trip using topographic maps - using Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers and magnetic compasses with topographic maps - using a topographic map to find your current position and to set a course. This product is the guide/map roamer card combination.

Geoscience Australia will publish a new book on Australia's geology for the 34th International Geological Congress (IGC) to be held in Brisbane in 2012. Shaping a continent-building a nation: a geology of Australia will tell the story of Australia's geological evolution through the lens of human impacts - both the challenges and the opportunities presented by the 'lucky country'. The book will not attempt to be a definitive authority on all aspects of Australia's diverse geology, nor will it follow the 'traditional' time-based treatment of the topic. The main aim of the book is to showcase the excellence of Australian Geoscience and how the understanding of the unique geology has shaped the Australian continent and thus impacted the Australian people. The book will be novel in that it will integrate many disciplines of the geosciences in a systems framework to answer 'big questions' relevant to Australians. The book will be a high-quality desirable product written for the broader geoscientific community, with an enduring message relevant to society. The first two chapters will define Australia and Australians, and will set the spatial-temporal and cultural framework for the rest of the book. The following eight chapters will be arranged into themes around geological influences on society, environment and wealth, with time being the unifying dimension. This 500 page full colour book will be a hard backed book at A4-plus size. Full use will be made of the beauty of the visual images of Australia's geology to illustrate our message. The theme of the 34th IGC meeting is 'Unearthing our Past and Future'. This book will make a significant contribution to this theme in presenting Australia's unique geology in a new light.

Animation demonstrating how fraccing is used in Coal Seam Gas (CSG) extraction.