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The Outcropedia is a new initiative of TecTask. The aim is to make a central, public database of all important and beautiful outcrops in the World. The main aim is to record where beautiful deformation structures are to be seen, but other outcrops can also be submitted. The setup will be similar to Panoramio and other sites to share photographs, but in this case the accent will be on structural geology only, and contain more detailed descriptions. The Outcropedia is currently accessible to members of TecTask only and contains day trips to Cap de Creus (image below gives an idea of what this looks like) and Arkaroola. An example kml file developed by Cees Paschier is downloadable here 
The setup of the Outcropedia has two main purposes:
How to access Outcropedia The preferred medium for the Outcropedia is presently Google Earth. The Outcropedia will consist of one file in .kml or .kmz format for each region. The files can be downloaded from the TecTask site and they will then open automatically in GoogleEarth on any computer. Each file will be marked with the date on which it was last updated. Files will be regularly updated by TecTask Staff. Google Earth can be downloaded for free from the Google Earth site: http://earth.google.com/ What material will be presented? We aim to present three types of data; 1 – Outcrops; these will usually be in the form of marked points, i.e. a single coordinate. It is also possible, however, to present them as a polygon if the outcrop is large. 2 – Excursions. If outcrops can be used as part of an excursion, or if they are best visited in a certain sequence, a track can be given that connects the outcrops. Tracks will be stored separately from outcrops and can be downloaded separately. 3 – Facilities. If you know a cheap hotel or nice restaurant, a touristy attraction or nice beach, you can also add it to the database. Especially cheap hotels or campsites which can be used for excursions will be appreciated by all geologists. Facilities will be stored separately from outcrops and can be downloaded separately. How to submit material New outcrops for the Outcropedia can be added by submission to TecTask by Email. In this PDF: Outcropedia General, we describe how new files can be written in GoogleEarth, saved, and sent to TecTask. We will make sure that the new outcrops will be added to the database. This pdf explains how you can upload your outcrop data in Google Earth individually, as points on the map. It also explains how you can integrate photographs in the files. This PDF explains how you can draw outcrops as polygons; it may be useful if your outcrop covers a large surface. You will need this PDF if you want to show polygonal lines in Google Earth, for example to illustrate how your outcrops connect as part of an existing or proposed excursion. You can link outcrops by a polygonal line that sows the sequence in which outcrops should be visited. Polygonal lines are also useful if you want to show the exact position of roads or walking tracks an how an outcrop can be reached from a main road; this can be valuable if an outcrop is hard to find or it the traffic situation is complicated (one way roads)
Language and content, authors and contact information Contributions may be in any language, but a short English summary will be appreciated. Content is free, since we do not wish to make the setup of the „Outcropedia“ a tedious job. We will see how the setup develops and will present a list of possible themes and a recommendation for content. However, very short contributions are also welcome for those with little time to spare; a name and a few sentences are sufficient to indicate an interesting outcrop. At present, we do not allow authors to modify content of contributions. Additional information on outcrops will presently be added as a separate „placemark“. Authors who wish can sign their contributions, and add an email number for further information. However, this is not required Disclaimer Visiting outcrops can be dangerous. We advise any visitors of outcrops mentioned in the Outcropedia to take proper care of their safety. The use of helmets and, along roads, reflective and brightly coloured warning vests is advised. TecTask, the officers and members of tectask and the authors of contributions to the Outcropedia are in no way responsible for any accidents that may happen when visiting one of the indicated outcrops.
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