The Geological Survey of Portugal (1857-1948); an overview

The Geological Survey of Portugal (GSP) was created in 1857 as part of the Directorate of Geodesic, Chorographic, Hydrographical Works of the Kingdom established at the Ministry of Public Works, Trade and Industry, within a general policy of control over territory. Until its creation, Portugal lacked any sort of tradition in geological research. Despite changes in name and various restructurings, the GSP was able to produce consistent geological research that was up to international standards, releasing two editions of a geological map of Portugal in the scale 1:500,000, the first in 1876 and the second in 1899. In 1918, the Survey was once again reorganised, becoming part of the new General Directorate of Mines and Geological Survey. Portugal was then enduring a troubled period: the young Republican regime established in 1910 faced financial and political difficulties, and there was much social unrest as a result of World War I. These events deeply affected Survey activities. It is clear that between 1918 and 1948 geology and mapping were not among the Portuguese State's priorities, thus leading to a decline of geological research and mapping.