Recognizing the colonial history attached to geological maps

Many classic geological maps and the corresponding geological literature that built these maps are the outcomes of colonialism. The creation and use of knowledge surrounding the science of the Earth were applied by a select few who were ultimately titled and lauded as the pioneers of geoscience. This legacy of modern geoscience is tied closely to colonialism and provided the motivation for this piece. The goal of this viewpoint is to highlight the attachment of colonialism to geological maps. The present use of geological maps and literature through three examples Trinidad, India and Africa is discussed. Each example acknowledges exploitation of knowledgeable locals, accounts of unethically framed so-called ‘first’ discoveries and a disregard for indigenous geological place names. This viewpoint recognizes the pedagogical opportunity for future geoscientists to effectively increase justice, equity, diversity and inclusion within geoscience communities. Learning about colonial activities can promote the fundamental freedom about the right to think, theorize and interpret the world. Methodologies can be developed and enable persons to effectively learn about the injustices without promoting emotional consequences that can ultimately attach colonialism with an unrealistic viewpoint.