Using 3D printed models to help the understanding of geological maps

Geology is a scientific discipline where a 3D view is important - even essential. When starting to learn geology, as a first exercise students should be able to gain a 3D vision of geological maps, which like all maps are 2D objects, and interpret them. Many people have an objective difficulty in "seeing in 3D", that is, in achieving a mental representation of a dimension, which is not shown. To help them in this task, we propose a wide range of objects, which anyone can use or make in line with an educational approach that combines digital creation and object manipulation. In fact, our computer-designed prototypes are saved in a format from which they can be printed in 3D. Three types of objects are presented:

(1) models, which help to see things in 3D and thus understand particular structures;

(2) models where the third dimension offers an approach to successive geometries (kinematics) during the formation of particular geological structures;

(3) models that provide the opportunity to move different parts relative to each other to generate structures like faults.

We venture that through using our models, and possibly creating other objects by themselves, students will be helped to find their way in this 3D world, which is often confusing at first sight. We will also present printed models of natural examples in different geological context. The target audience is students from first degree to Master's level, trainee teachers, secondary school science teachers and amateur or professional geologists. We also want to reach the growing network of ‘fablabs’, whether or not they are university-based.