The definition of environmental geological maps are not yet fixed completely, but it is considered that the maps are produced for terrain evaluation, especially for urban planning, and are combination of maps derived from fundamental geological maps and maps of the other natural and man-made terrain conditions. The author pointed out that geological data-base for terrain evaluation needs to represent three dimensional recognition of each rock masses and their constitution, which emphasize physical geological characteristics responsive to natural and man-made impacts caused by urban developments. These physical geological characteristics were acquired from lithostratigraphic classification, because petrogenetical nomenclature involves its physical geological characteristics which are subjected by its genetical environments. Among the items of maps for terrain evaluation, hydrogeological maps and topographic maps are well defined as mapping techniques. Maps showing recent geodynamic processes are not yet completed for earth's total systems, although most informations of recent geodynamic processes are represented in geomorphologic conditions and their mutations.
In Japanese islands, recently urbanized regions are generally began from old town situated between lowland and hilly area, and sprawled towards center of lowland and terrace area, which is composed of soft Quaternary sediments. At that places, lithofacies are recognised by only driller's geologic logs and samples obtained from bore-holes. So, establishments of maps illustrated three dimensional extension of lithostratigraphic units are urgent necessities for environmental geological studies, although maps of foundation engineering conditions are often published.
