19th International CODATA Conference
Category: Data Visualization
3D geological mapping
as a new method to visualize subsurface data: a case study of the
Dr. Pascal Luxey (dglfrance@nerim.net), Dynamic Graphics Limited, France
Inga Moeck (inga.moeck@gp.tu-berlin.de), Dr. Heinz Schandelmeier (schandelmeier@bg.tu-berlin.de), TU Berlin, Institut für Angewandte Geowissenschaften, Germany
The constantly increasing demand for groundwater in the
In a first step the topography and geological boundaries are digitized and transformed into a so-called scattered data using the 3D modeling software EarthVision (DGI). The geometry of the geological planes is calculated using EarthVision minimum tension gridding technique to produce 2D grids that are integrated in a 3D volume model. Calculation of this model reveals that the geological surface of the 2D map rarely corresponds to the geological surface of the 3D map because of geometric inconsistencies between topographic and geologic boundaries in the 2D map. Therefore the input dataset needs to be corrected while calculation the 3D volume model. Once a coherent 3D model is developed, the user can visualize the model from various perspectives, slice it, calculate cross sections or present isolated horizons. Furthermore, additional data can be integrated within the 3D model such as well bore data or specific horizon properties, e.g. hydrochemical parameters. Our regional 3D geological model reveals the characteristics of underground geometry, in this case of groundwater reservoir rock.
As information on precise underground geometry is increasing in demand, 3D geological models calculated as described are the answer as they can be applied to any region and problem, providing high quality geological inputs are available.