Updated:
27 September 2006
GA Record 2006/20: Constructing geologically-constrained 3D models using 3D GeoModeller
A.J. Meixner, R. Lane, K. Czarnota and K. Cassidy
Geoscience Australia Record 2006/20
Executive summary
The Paterson NGA project is using a number of tools to better understand the time-space evolution of the northwest Paterson Orogen in Western Australia. One of these tools, 3D GeoModeller, is an emerging technology that constructs three-dimensional (3D) volumetric models based on a range of geological information. The Paterson project is using 3D GeoModeller to build geologically-constrained 3D models for the northwest Paterson Orogen. This report documents the model building capability and benefits of 3D GeoModeller and highlights some of the geological insights gained from the model building exercise. The principal benefit of 3D GeoModeller is that it provides geoscientists with a rapid tool for testing multiple working hypotheses.
The Cottesloe Syncline district (Figure 1) was selected as the focus for a trial of the 3D GeoModeller software. The 3D model was built by members of the Paterson Project, as well as model building specialists within Geoscience Australia (GA). The resultant Cottesloe Syncline model, including two dimensional maps and images, was exported from 3D GeoModeller and transformed into a Virtual Reality Modelling Language (VRML), enabling a wide audience to view the model using readily available software. The VRML model requires the free Blaxxun Contact 5 plug-in to be downloaded and installed.
Figure 1. Scanned image of the Broadhurst 1:100 000 geological map sheet (Bagas, 2004). The black outline shows the 3D model area (30 × 35 km).
Rudall Complex - pink
Coolbro Sandstone - tan
Broadhurst Formation - brown
Paterson Formation - blue
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