## 1 Introduction  
The first studies on engineering-geological mapping based on field surveys and intrusive sampling technologies have been developed since the early 1950s [1, 2]. In 1990s geotechnical mapping was facilitated with air- and space-borne optical imagery (e.g., Corona, Landsat series, Aster, Ikonos, and QuickBird) and microwave data (e.g., ERS, Radarsat, Envisat, and Shuttle Radar Topography Mission) [3, 4] and extended by Geographical Information Systems (GIS) technologies after the 2000s [5, 6]. The objectives of the studies included monitoring and modelling mapping of complex thermal and geomorphological processes such as permafrost and periglacial zones [7], volcanic monitoring [8], hydrocarbons deposits, agricultural development [9], areas affected by natural hazards and technogenic risks, like seismic or land sliding micro zonation, etc. [10]. Extensive development of advanced technologies in digital mapping system has contributed to the creation of detailed geotechnical maps of major cities in France, Portugal, Japan, USA, and many other countries [7, 9, 11, 12]. The fundamental works of the USSR in the field of engineering-geological mapping were presented by [PERSON], [PERSON], [PERSON], [PERSON], and other researchers [13, 14, 15, 16, 17]. So, in the work of [PERSON]. [PERSON] in 1950 developed a method of engineering-geological zoning, which consists in the sequential division of the territory into separate parts, which are characterized by increasingly homogeneous engineering-geological conditions [13]. [PERSON], in the period of 1967-1983, developed methods of engineering geology for mapping urban areas, underground urbanism and urban planning assessment of the developed territories [15]. A very important fact is noted in them, indicating that in engineering geology there has been a lag in the development of the theory and methodology of issues related to the engineering-geological substantiation of the design and construction of foundations. [PERSON] in 1968 proposed to draw up unified engineering and geological maps, on which it is necessary to show the most important factors for all types of construction, tectonic conditions, lithological composition of rocks, the maximum level of the first aquifer from the earth's surface, physical and geological phenomena, and physical and technical properties of rocks [16]. Specific details for certain types of construction were displayed on additional engineering-geological maps. [PERSON] in 1977 made significant contributions to the development of engineering-geological mapping of cities in Kazakhstan [17]. In the above works, the specificity inherent in the main projected city or region was used. In this case, the considered territory (city or district) is subdivided into regions, each of which is characterized by a geological structure inherent only in it and the geological and genetic complex of rocks that composes it. Then the regions are divided into areas, which, according to the nature of geomorphological conditions, are divided into areas that differ from each other in composition and engineering-geological properties. The formation of these maps is based on the formation and lithological-genetic principle proposed by [PERSON] in 1956, and which was adopted as the basis for the classification of rocks [13; 14]. In Kazakhstan, during the Soviet period, engineering survey materials were provided by a large state organization Kazakh Geotechnical Research Institute (KazGIIZ), which was founded in 1964 in Almaty and had its own regional expeditions, departments, and branches in all regions of the country. At the same time, KazGIIZ pursued a unified technical policy in the field of engineering surveys for construction. During the restructuring period 1985-1991, the well-established system for collecting, storing, and providing materials for engineering surveys was destroyed in Kazakhstan because of absence of the local construction engineering research trust.