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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Progress report on the testing campaign, commenced in May, 1945, of the bauxite deposits at Ouse, Tasmania, No. 2 Area.

Two earlier reports on this subject dealt with this industry on the basis of information then available and virtually omitted from consideration the activities of the producer and consumer subsidiaries of the Colonial Sugar Refining Company. This company has now supplied detailed information, particularly on its plans for production and it is therefore necessary to review the industry afresh. The production and consumption of asbestos in Australia are discussed in this report.

In response to a request from Mr. W.H. Williams, Director of Mines, Tasmania, a geological survey was made of the asbestos deposits situated near the tunnel on the Emu Bay railway, 5 miles north-east of Zeehan. A programme of investigation was set out involving a detailed survey of the deposit, prospecting and development work, an assessment of potential fibre grades and ore values, and research into milling practice and market utilization of fibre. The geological survey and related investigation, which are the focus of this report, were concerned mainly with the first three items. Three plates, including a geological map, surface plan, and a plan showing underground workings and effective grades, are attached to this report.

The extent, structure, and thickness of the Coorabin coal measures are discussed in this report.