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.

It was requested that the Branch examine the Naronga site with a view to determining whether it was suitable from a geological point of view for the construction of a flood control dam. The area was visited and mapped in March, 1946. The topography, geology, possible site and capacity of a retaining wall are discussed in this report. Three plates showing the area and sections accompany this report.

The Harold's Cross Barite Deposit lies 7.4 miles slightly north of east from Captain's Flat. Four separate deposits were noted, each occupying a minor shear or joint plane in the granite. The past production and geology of these individual deposits are discussed in this report.

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.

An overview of geophysical survey operations at Ediacara, commenced on 4th June, 1946. This report describes briefly the work completed up to 19th June, 1946. The work done, survey methods, and results of the survey to date are discussed.

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.

On June 20th King Island Scheelite N.L. asked for advice on the location of suitable drill holes north of their present 150 and 170ft. faces to determine the geology along the No. 3 fault. In this report a scheme of drilling is set out, which would determine the geological structure of the area and indicate tonnage of ore and overburden. A plan is attached to the report which shows the bench limits, the main geological features and selected diamond drill hole sites.

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 present report gives an overview of the general geology and ore geology of the Blue Spec Mine. The main orebodies are described in some detail. General estimates of reserves and recommendations for future geological work are noted.