The stereographic projection is an essential tool of geologists and civil engineers which allows threedimensional orientation data to be both represented and manipulated. It provides a way of graphically displaying the data collected which is essential for the recognition and interpretation of patterns of preferred orientation. It allows also the data to be processed, rotated and analysed by means of a number of standard geometrical constructions. The latter can be rapidly carried out using computer software but the stereographic method has the advantage that the constructions can be visually appreciated and shown graphically.

The stereographic method is briefly explained in many existing textbooks. However, our experience of teaching this subject has shown that many students, although able in most cases to perform the required constructions, fail to see the underlying principle of the method being employed. They learn the method as a set of cookery book procedures which sometimes work out well but often go drastically wrong. This book sets out to provide a simple introduction to the subject and by means of illustrations and exercises encourages the student to visualize the problems concerned in three dimensions. Once an appreciation is gained of the nature of the problem, the formal solution using the projection becomes both logical and straightforward.

The book is written for undergraduate geology students following courses in structural geology. It will also be useful to students of civil engineering following courses in geotechnics.