Hydrogeological map of Albania at a scale of 1:200,000, principles of compilation and content – a document of Albanian pioneering hydrogeological research since the 1960s

The organized hydrogeological investigations in Albania started in 1959, while general hydrogeological prospecting started there in 1963 and finished in 1974. One of the hydrogeological prospecting main goals was the compilation of the hydrogeological map of Albania at a scale of 1:200,000. Hydrogeological maps may differ in content, representation, scale and format, but two main types of these maps are principal: general and/or special hydrogeological maps. The aforementioned map was published in 1985 following principles for general hydrogeological maps as defined in 1970 by IAH/UNESCO, which were subsequently adopted, but also further developed. The areal colours show hydrogeological classification of rocks and the basic elements shown on the map are hydrogeological units. Geological pattern forms the map background, while lithologic units are differed by green colour hatches. Different aquifers and hydrogeological structures identified during the investigations are also shown here, together with important water supply areas of productive drillings and springs. Groundwater quality, thermal springs, seawater intrusion areas and the relation between surface and groundwater can also be recognized. The map published in 1985 can be successfully used until nowadays, not only for the planning purposes, but also as a helping tool in many practical problems of the groundwater use solutions.