Surveying
and Investigation in 3 Dimensions -
systematically modelling the shallow subsurface of the UK.
The GSI3D software tool and methodology has been developed over the last decade by Dr. Hans-Georg Sobisch from INSIGHT Geological Software Systems GmbH, based in Cologne. Over the past 3 years BGS has acted as a test bed for the accelerated development of the tool and methodology.
The 3-D investigation and characterisation of the Earth's sub-surface is the prime objective of any geological survey. So far the strategic deliverables and products of such surveys have been 2-dimensional geological maps and in Britain best practice has been to present the distribution of geological units only at the land surface and at rockhead.
With advances in computing power and technology and the availability of increasingly precise Digital Terrain Models (DTM) it is now possible to envisage a new survey concept and a totally new survey product: the systematic 3-D geological model.
- More information on GSI3D can be found on Wikipedia
- 2nd International GSI3D Meeting
GSI3D utilizes a Digital Terrain Model, surface geological linework and downhole borehole data to enable the geologist to construct cross sections by correlating boreholes and the outcrops to produce a geological fence diagram. Mathematical interpolation between the nodes along the drawn sections and the limits of the units produces a solid model comprising a stack of triangulated objects each corresponding to one of the geological units present. Geologists draw their sections based on facts such as borehole logs correlated by intuition - the shape 'looks right' to a geologist. This 'looks right' element pulls on the geologists' wealth of understanding of earth processes, examination of exposures and theoretical knowledge gathered over a career in geology.
GSI3D is designed to work with open data formats and it is envisaged to deliver these models to customers using a customised 3D Map cube viewer and analyst soon to be released. If you have any queries regarding the modelling method, or you are interested in more information about our modelling capabilities contact enquiries@bgs.ac.uk.
| Uncovering the Geological Map |
Building a 3D Geological Model |
3D geological model of the Thurrock area, East London |
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| Click on the above image to view a short animation (2Mb, Flash animation) | Click on the above image for more information on how to build a 3D model. | Click on the above image to install the viewer. A User Manual is available for download |
| Note for Thurrock model: Simply download this file and double click the shortcut on your desktop. (File is 39 MB in size so may take a while to download depending on your connection speed). Please read the Terms and Conditions carefully before installing the software. | ||
