Integration of regional to outcrop digital data: 3D visualisation of multi-scale geological models

Jones, R.R.; McCaffrey, K.J.W.; Clegg, P.; Wilson, R.W.; Holliman, N.S.; Holdsworth, R.E.; Imber, J.; Waggott, S.

Abstract

Multi-scale geological models contain three-dimensional, spatially referenced data, typically spanning at least six orders of magnitude from outcrop to regional scale. A large number of different geological and geophysical data sources can be combined into a single model. Established 3D visualisation methods that are widely used in hydrocarbon exploration and production for sub-surface data have been adapted for onshore surface geology through a combination of methods for digital data acquisition, 3D visualisation, and geospatial analysis. The integration of georeferenced data across a wider than normal range in scale helps to address several of the existing limitations that are inherent in traditional methods of map production and publishing. The primary advantage of a multi-scale approach is that spatial precision and dimensionality (which are generally degraded when data are displayed in 2D at a single scale) can be preserved at all scales. Real-time, immersive, interactive software, based on a “3D geospatial” graphical user interface (GUI), allows complex geological architectures to be depicted, and is more inherently intuitive than software based on a standard “desktop” GUI metaphor. The continuing convergence of different kinds of geo-modelling, GIS, and visualisation software, as well as industry acceptance of standardised middleware, has helped to make multi-scale geological models a practical reality. This is illustrated with two case studies from NE England and NW Scotland.

Citation

Jones, R., McCaffrey, K., Clegg, P., Wilson, R., Holliman, N., Holdsworth, R., …Waggott, S. (2009). Integration of regional to outcrop digital data: 3D visualisation of multi-scale geological models. Computers and Geosciences, 35(1), 4-18. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cageo.2007.09.007

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: 2009-01
• Deposit Date: Feb 23, 2009
• Journal: Computers and Geosciences
• Print ISSN: 0098-3004
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 35
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 4-18
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cageo.2007.09.007
• Keywords: Virtual outcrop models, Digital geological mapping, Terrestrial laser-scanning, Immersive visualisation, User interaction.
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1608651