Digitizing Legacy Gravimetric Data Through GIS and Field Surveys: Toward an Updated Gravity Database for Kazakhstan
Orynbassarova E. Zhanakulova K. Ahmadi H. Kassymkanova K.-K. Kairatov D. Bulegenov K.
January 2026Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)
Geosciences (Switzerland)
2026#16Issue 1
This study presents the digitization and integration of Kazakhstan’s legacy gravimetric maps at a scale of 1:200,000 into a modern geospatial database using ArcGIS. The primary objective was to convert analog gravity data into a structured, queryable, and spatially analyzable digital format to support contemporary geoscientific applications, including geoid modeling and regional geophysical analysis. The project addresses critical gaps in national gravity coverage, particularly in underrepresented regions such as the Caspian Sea basin and the northeastern frontier, thereby enhancing the accessibility and utility of gravity data for multidisciplinary research. The methodology involved a systematic workflow: assessment and selection of gravimetric maps, raster image enhancement, georeferencing, and digitization of observation points and anomaly values. Elevation data and terrain corrections were incorporated where available, and metadata fields were populated with information on the methods and accuracy of elevation determination. Gravity anomalies were recalculated, including Bouguer anomalies (with densities of 2.67 g/cm3 and 2.30 g/cm3), normal gravity, and free-air anomalies. A unified ArcGIS geodatabase was developed, containing spatial and attribute data for all digitized surveys. The final deliverables include a 1:1,000,000-scale gravimetric map of free-air gravity anomalies for the entire territory of Kazakhstan, a comprehensive technical report, and supporting cartographic products. The project adhered to national and international geophysical mapping standards and utilized validated interpolation and error estimation techniques to ensure data quality. The validation process by the modern gravimetric surveys also confirmed the validity and reliability of the digitized historical data. This digitization effort significantly modernizes Kazakhstan’s gravimetric infrastructure, providing a robust foundation for geoid modeling, tectonic studies, and resource exploration.
ArcGIS database , free-air anomalies , geoid modeling , geospatial integration , gravity data digitization
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Geomatics Innovation Center, Satbayev University, Almaty, 050013, Kazakhstan
Department of Geological Engineering and Exploration of Mines, Faculty of Geology and Mines, Kabul Polytechnic University, Kabul, 1001, Afghanistan
Department of Water Resources, Wood Rodgers, Inc., Orange, 92866, CA, United States
Department of Geological Survey, Search and Exploration of Mineral Deposits, Geology and Oil-Gas Business Institute, Satbayev University, Almaty, 050013, Kazakhstan
Department of Mine Surveying and Geodesy, Mining and Metallurgical Institute, Satbayev University, Almaty, 050013, Kazakhstan
Geomatics Innovation Center
Department of Geological Engineering and Exploration of Mines
Department of Water Resources
Department of Geological Survey
Department of Mine Surveying and Geodesy
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