Aerogeophysics and light detecting and ranging (LiDAR)-based lineament interpretation of Finland at the scale of 1:500 000

Abstract. Lineaments, linear structures on the surface of the Earth, often represent the surface expressions of brittle structures, e.g., fault zones and fracture zones, or ductile shear zones. In addition, they may also represent other geological features such as lithological contacts, tectonic boundaries and Quaternary structures, or potentially a superposition of any of these. A lineament interpretation is usually the first step in the structural assessment of a crystalline bedrock setting, and the lineaments can further be used as basis for scientific research to more accurately determine the location of the previously mentioned various geological features. In this study, a multi-source lineament interpretation was performed within ArcGIS for the whole of Finland, based on light detecting and ranging (LiDAR), aerogeophysical and bathymetric raster data. The lineament database enhances the capability to produce more accurate geological maps for various geological purposes in Finland.