Geologists have traditionally used 2D maps and cross-sections to interpret and represent their data. The increasing availability of technologies has dramatically changed the way geologists capture, interpret and share their knowledge through 3D geological maps and models. These developments in the geosciences still require research on a number of topics, for example: integrating models at different scales, the development of voxel modelling to better understand subsurface property distributions, providing appropriate metadata for models, workflow management and storage, and the development of new and innovative model delivery mechanisms.

In order for this research to advance as well as to ensure that further IT and methodology developments are driven by real world requirements there is a clear need for more inter-disciplinary collaboration, in particular between IT professionals and modelling geoscientists in academia, industry and at Geological Survey Organisations. This session seeks to provide a forum to advance this collaboration, and facilitate exchange of methods and ideas between those working in different geoscience disciplines using different modelling approaches and software solutions. Presentations are welcomed from geoscientists, modellers, and informatics specialists on the techniques they are developing and deploying to create 3D geological models, Presentations are also sought on software tools, database solutions or emerging web based technologies that facilitate the management, storage and delivery of these models to end users.