Methods of constructing and visualizing 3D geological models from the GIS approach (original) (raw)

As a geoscientist of the Geological Institute of Hungary I experienced that construction of a 3D geological model is a very time consuming work, which requires cartographical, geological and information technological knowledge, and it’s most important phase is the design of the data structure. During the research my aim was to study the general conditions, the know-how and the best-practices of 3D geological models through practical applications, and to work out new methods if necessary. My primary achievements are the following: 1. I worked out the objective criteria for the 3D modeling applications in general. 2. I worked out a method for the cartographical representation of such archive geological field maps, which were inserted in the data frame of a GIS (the so called “digital manuscripts”). 3. I made a proposal to sort the structural elements in tectonic formations, and worked out a system for the classification of tectonic elements in 3D geological models. 4. I unified the data processing methods in defining the parameters of different planar objects in large scale 3D geological models, using spherical geometry. 5. I worked out a double projection method for creating tunnel wall-maps of observed geological features in mine-tunnels, using a spherical projection and a central cylindrical projection; this method is the first known practical application of the central cylindrical projection. 6. I worked out a method for creating 3D volumetric models of caves, using the original point-survey data, and the archive 2D cave passage maps. 7. I firstly published cartographic material and a review of the cartographic genre of “geological tourist maps” in Hungary; I introduced these maps as the 2,5D representation of a 3D geological model. 8. I worked out the idea of the GEOnukleus software, which would be able to visualize measurable data of 3D geological models through inter- and intranet with a client interface, and I led the project which worked out the use-case model of this application. I concluded that the 3D geological modeling is an interdisciplinary science where, the modeling method depends on the quality and quantity of the original data, and in most cases it requires unique approach, to achieve the best results.