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Surficial Geology
The surficial geology of a site consists of the geological formations formed by glacial actions versus bedrock geology which consists of the underlying rock formations. The surficial geology described will only be a basic synopsis derived from surficial geology maps and a cursory site inspection. The purpose of describing the surficial geology is to show its relationship to the other ecological features on the site especially the overlying soil, hydrology and plant characteristics.

Topography
Topography depicts the changes in elevation of the earth's surface. The changes in elevation can be slight, with relatively little elevation change over a large distance (flat), or significant elevation changes which can result in steep slopes/rocky ravines etc.

Topography is also intricately related to ecology because the aspect (slope direction, such as northeast facing slope) and slope (steepness) impact the types of vegetation, hydrology and soil characteristics which occur in a particular area.

Mapping of Ecological Features
The techniques for mapping features, whether physical or biological, have advanced enormously in the past decade. We can now create maps using geographic information systems, global positioning systems and standard surveying techniques. The accuracy of the maps is also greatly improved and depending on what mapping techniques, the accuracy can be within a few feet or within a few hundredths of an inch.

UDM can provide several different types of maps of the ecological features on your property including maps of specific protected resources as described below in the "Environmental Regulations and the Landowner" section.

Ecological Maps include the following:

1. UDM can digitally scan aerial photos of your property and create a map showing all of the habitats on your Property. (this type of mapping is best on parcels larger than 5 acres).

2. GIS (geographic information systems) coverage map. This type of map involves overlaying your property boundaries onto existing coverage types (such as vegetation, soils etc.). The coverage types are not as accurate as number one above where UDM staff delineate and field check the habitat boundaries. GIS coverage, for Rhode Island for example, was done on a statewide basis using small scale aerial photos which were not uniformly field checked and therefore are not as accurate as a UDM habitat map.

3. A Planimetric Survey of your property can also include mapping of habitats and natural or physical features. This type of mapping is extremely accurate and good for mapping ecological features.

4. Global Positioning Systems (GPS) UDM can use a GPS unit to create maps quickly and accurately for large parcels of land. A GPS unit can be used to delineate the boundaries of habitats and map the location of unique natural or physical features.