PUBLISHING THREE DIMENSIONAL MODELS

An ongoing study of the Camp Stanley Storage Activity base and surrounding area in Bexar County, Texas, emphasizes the need for publication protocols and venues for 3-Dimensional geoscience publications and products. Geoscience data is composed of locations in X and Y coordinates referencing one or more attributes, minimally an elevation at depth or ground level. Since the science is based in 3-Dimensions, “why are the interpretations not presented in 3-Dimensions?” Historically, the only way to share geoscience data and interpretations was from verbal descriptions and pictures, requiring the author to create 2-Dimensional illustrations of 3-Dimensional representations they are trying to share. We all have experienced the misunderstandings that occur between authors and audiences; we suggest visual interactive 3-Dimensional products limit ambiguity.

Technology changes over the past decade make it easier to view and interact with scientific data in 3-Dimensions. A multitude of technology is available including projector systems, active and passive stereo glasses, multi-lens flat panel monitors, and 3-D printers; all are designed to represent 3-Dimensional or at least psedo-3-Dimensional images or objects. The current publication process limits development of 3-dimensional products. Until procedures are established, there is no need to change, and these products are restricted to in-house presentations and experimentation.

The authors propose fully digital publications that contain visual and interactive pseudo- and full 3-D products. Distribution mechanisms would be on-line and ISO standards such as CD- DVD-ROMs. Products should be stand-alone with the ability to manipulate the interpretations, and function from the distribution media, ideally on multiple platforms. The authors believe the Camp Stanley Storage Activity study is a step in this direction. It is a visual interactive fully digital publication modeling the framework geology and hydrostratigraphy of the study area. Users can view the work in pseudo 3-Dimension. Currently the product can be used on Windows and UNIX platforms. The interpretive software is proprietary, but interpretations can be manipulated and distributed with the provided free viewer.