The cartographic collection of the Doc Fisher Geoscience Library consists of the maps and air photos created or acquired by agency staff since the formation of BMR in 1946. This includes maps produced by agencies which have merged with these over the years, such as AUSLIG. Maps held include: Australian geological map series (1:250,000, 1:100,000 and the 1 mile series); topographic maps produced by NATMAP and its predecessors (1:250,000, 1:100,000 and 1:50,000) - latest editions only; various Australian geochemical, geophysical and other thematic maps; geoscience map series from other countries acquired on an exchange basis, including some with accompanying explanatory notes; Non-series maps acquired by donation or exchange; atlases. The Air photos are predominantly those used for mapping Australia and, to a lesser extent, Papua New Guinea and Antarctica, by BMR/AGSO from the 1940s to the 1980s. Geographical coverage of the sets is not complete, but many individual photos are unique in that they have pin points, overlays or other markings made by teams in the field. The Papua New Guinea photographs in the collection may, in many cases, be the only existing copies. Flight diagrams are also held for many (but not all) sets of air photos. Some other related materials, such as montages of aerial photographs (orthophotos), are also represented in the collection.

A report on the results of a micropalaeontological examination of samples taken from the depth of 2,000 feet down to 3,132 feet. This series is in continuation of that reported upon on 19/3/46.

The period 30th to 31st May, 1946, was spent in selecting five sites for diamond drilling at the Cosmopolitan Howley Mine, Brocks Creek district. A description of the geology and the conclusions reached as regards drilling are given in this report. A plan of the mine and sections plan are included.

In consequence of planning, by the South Australian Government, to develop and mine the coal seams it was considered that the outer limits of the seams should be known with reasonable accuracy so that neither railway lines nor other permanent structures should be built over coal-bearing ground. An accurate knowledge of these limits was desirable for another reason, namely that in the peripheral zone the ratio of overburden to coal was more favourable than elsewhere. At the request of the South Australian Director of Mines the Commonwealth Government agreed to carry out a routine survey of the periphery of the basin, following the completion of preliminary trial surveys. These were carried out between January and April, 1946. Magnet, earth resistivity and gravity methods were used, of which only the gravity methods proved useful. The history of the field, geophysical problem, gravity instruments, testing, and results are discussed in detail in this report. Accompanying geological plans are included.

A report on the results of a micro-examination of samples, submitted by the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission of Victoria, taken from a depth of 3 to 379 feet down. The report comprises a detailed description of the samples, notes on the stratigraphic sequence, notes on the fossils fauna, and a table showing the distribution and stratigraphic range of species.

The principal alternative sites for an administrative centre which have been considered or suggested are discussed from the points of view with which a geologist and vulcanologist is primarily concerned - namely vulnerability to volcanic action, earthquakes, and tidal waves, foundations, water supply and accessibility of material suitable for road resurfacing, aggregate, etc. The areas considered are Rabaul, Nonga-Tavui, Keravat-Kabaira, Vunakanau-Taliligap, and Koko-Rapopo.

The operational history, orebody, workings, grade, tonnage, and financial considerations relating to the Chesney mine are discussed in this report. Two geological plans are included.

An overview of the occurrence and testing of bauxite deposits in Australia.

Five occurrences of ferruginous bauxite near Rosevale were examined and two of them (Nos. 3 and 4) mapped in detail on a scale of 100 feet to 1 inch. It was felt that Areas 3 and 4 which offered some slight chance of successful development should not be abandoned until a few test-pits had been sunk to confirm or disprove the conclusions reached from the surface inspection. Descriptions of the general geology, individual bauxite occurrences, and testing results are given in this report. A locality plan is included.

In response to the proposal for a new administrative building to be erected, 1/4 mile east of Parliament House, nine test pits were put down by the Department of the Interior for the purpose of examining the sub-surface conditions. Four of the pits were used for engineering tests of the bearing power of the rock foundations. The geology of the site is discussed in this report.