Geographic Information System (GIS) Mapping of the Michigan Natural Storage Gypsum Mine

There are nearly six miles of former mine workings at the Michigan Natural Storage (MNS) gypsum mine and portions of the mine are being used for dry storage. A map of the mine, originally created by Williams & Works Civil Engineering & Survey in March of 1951, was obtained from MNS for evaluation. This hand-drafted map was scanned at 200 DPI on a large format scanner. Mine features, such as tunnels and infrastructure, were then digitized and analyzed using ArcMap Geographic Information System (GIS) software. Detailed mapping using laser distance measurement devices, confirmed the accuracy of the original map. Digital layers of new tunnels were created and added to the map. Cave-ins and inundated tunnels were also mapped but were only found in only the north east corner of the mine. Geologic fossils, mudcracks and ripple marks were also placed on the map which were then related to tunnel intersections. The updated map and GIS database will help the mine owners track problem areas and will also provide a base map for the many geologic field trips that visit the mine