This digital data set was created from a 1:5,000,000 scale map published in 1983, that depicts the distribution of metamorphic facies in Australia. The original map was compiled between 1972 and 1983 by T.G. Vallance, G.W. DAddario, A.J. Stewart, J.E. Mitchell, J.F. Stirzaker, and A.S.Mikolajczak using data supplied by BMR, State and Territory Geological Surveys, Universities and the Geological Society of Australia

Surface geological units (outcrop or near-outcrop bedrock and surficial regolith units) symbolised by lithology, compiled for use around 1:1M scale. This layer is limited to display only at scales greater than 1:1,500,000.

Surface geological units (outcrop or near-outcrop) that are too narrow to be represented by polygons, compiled for use around 1:1M scale. This layer is limited to display only at scales greater than 1:1,500,000.

Surface geological units (outcrop or near-outcrop bedrock and surficial regolith units) symbolised by lithostratigraphic classification, compiled at 1:2.5M scale. This layer is limited to display only at scales less than 1:1,500,000.

Surface geological units (outcrop or near-outcrop bedrock and surficial regolith units) symbolised by lithostratigraphic classification, compiled for use around 1:1M scale. This layer is limited to display only at scales greater than 1:1,500,000.

Surface geological units (outcrop or near-outcrop bedrock and surficial regolith units) symbolised by lithology, compiled at 1:2.5M scale. This layer is limited to display only at scales less than 1:1,500,000.

The Surface Geology web map service provides two seamless national coverages of Australian bedrock and surficial geology, compiled at 1:1 million scale (displays only at scales less than 1:1500000), and 1:2.5 million scale (displays only at scales greater than 1:1500000). It also contains 1:5 million scale geological regions and metamorphic geology. The service represents outcropping or near-outcropping bedrock units, and unconsolidated or poorly consolidated regolith material covering bedrock.