Look at it! – Visualizing 3D geological data in real 3D

At the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources we develop a wide variety of 3D-Models of the subsurface. These models range from basin-wide structural models to small scale models of an artificial fracture.

In many cases it is important to present these 3D-Models to stakeholders or the general public. One big challenge lies in the fact that many of the spectators are not professionals in geology.  Therefore, these complex 3D-Models have to be presented in a way non-professionals can easy access and understand.

Visualizing data and models in real 3D is not only very helpful in communicating our models to the general public. It can also be very helpful during the creation of 3D-model itself. Especially in very complex models, parts of the model may obstruct the view to other parts of the model. Seeing the 3D-model in real 3D provides the modeler with a better and easier impression of complex structures in the subsurface and allows

Experience has shown, that there is not one best way of visualizing 3D-data. In contrary, the 3D-visualisation has to be chosen and adapted not only for every model, but also for every target audience.

We present several methods of 3D-visualisation, ranging from 3D-Projectors and Virtual Reality over gamification (transferring 3D-models into computer games) to using 3D-printers. For each method we will present an application and evaluate the main advances and disadvantages.