Exposures or outcrops of rocks are numerous and diverse in much of South Australia, but, surprisingly, relatively few provide outstandingly significant scientific data. The ones that do, however, constitute irreplaceable physical segments of Earth history. They illustrate one or more geological features and/ or processes that are not shown elsewhere or with such clarity. Some of these sites show features of such outstanding geological or geomorphological significance that they are considered by the community of earth scientists to be worthy of conservation, and are then designated as geological monuments; together they constitute the State’s Geological Heritage. Sometimes, additional qualities such as aesthetic appeal, rarity and historical links may be present, in which case the monument is likely to be better known to, and more valued by, the public at large. Some may be well-known as landscape features and have an additional role in tourism and recreation. Typical places where these monuments occur are natural outcrops, river or coastal sections, disused quarries, road cuttings, and occasionally caves. They may be a single small outcrop, or a large landscape feature such as Wilpena Pound; they may be located on public or private land. At present there are more than 400 officially documented geological monuments located within South Australia, as portrayed by the subject map. Recording of their unique or special scientific attributes commenced in 1977. Unlike most traits for living systems, features possessed by these monuments are not reproducible, and when they are damaged or destroyed they are lost forever. Consequently, the need exists to identify and protect a wide range of such heritage sites, and is ongoing. The importance of geological monuments to our nation is that they: - provide illustrations of geological features and processes that aid in the teaching of science at all educational levels and that are used, especially by the professional community of earth scientists, for research and reference; - preserve geological features that are representative, rare, or even unique to science in South Australia, Australia or internationally; and - preserve geological features that are of aesthetic, educational or recreational value to the general public. A monument may also include a type section - this is a location where a rock mapping unit is considered to be most typically exposed and is used as a reference point in understanding the mapping unit and identifying it elsewhere. Previously hard-to-access paper-based information about South Australia's geological monuments has now been compiled into a digital dataset by the Geological Heritage Sub-committee of the Geological Society of Australia (South Australian Division) and DMITRE. The dataset includes: - the state geological monuments map - new detailed maps of individual sites - new summary descriptions - a photo gallery - the original nomination documents. Searches of the dataset can be carried out using a variety of criteria. This dataset is available on DVD from DMITRE or the South Australian Museum, and by arrangement also can be viewed at their public shopfronts.