The third geological map of Australia after J. Beete Jukes (a modified Arrowsmith map dated 1850) and Robert Smyth (1873). It is based on Skene and Slight's earlier map 'Continental Australia' (first published October 1879), with a second edition in 1880, followed by various editions, in whole or in part, including being used as the basis for the maps of each colony in the 'Sands Atlas' (1887).

Brown reports that "at an 1880-81 exhibition in Melbourne, 'A Geological Sketch Map' of the continent, being the Skene map, hand coloured by Arthur Everett, Chief Draftsman of the Victorian Mining Department, was exhibited. The Department then went ahead with a printed version, as here, issued in November 188, on 6 sheets, printed in 11 colours at a price of £3/10/-. The 'Argus' (26 Nov 1887) commented that "as a specimen of lithographic printing, the map is a creditable work of art, the registry or joining of the various colours being free from overlaps and uncoloured areas". The 'La Trobe Journal' article of 2001 says that four editions of the maps were published in 1887-88, and refers to it as "one of the most beautiful geological maps ever produced in Australia". It comments that most of the known copies are varnished roll maps in poor condition, and that no copy seems to have been kept in the separate sheets as issued".