Geological 3D model visualization in Cave settings, challenges and limitations

Dr. Gerold Zeilinger, Institute of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 24/25, D-14476 Golm/Potsdam (zeilinger@geo.uni-potsdam.de)

Max. participants: 15

03. April 2014

10:00 – 12:30 Introduction and Model building

14:00 – 16:30 Model manipulation and discussions

During the last decade new developments in visualization hardware and software with geoscience applications have improved our ability to portray complex data in a user-friendly manner. This technology provides new avenues for innovative research operations with multi-sourced data sets spanning the 3D arrangement of geological structures and seismicity to the distribution of rainfall, runoff and surface processes.

A 3-sided virtual reality Cave is operative at the Institute of Environmental and Earth Sciences at Potsdam University. Key for usability are (1) a fast and smooth data/model transfer from standard geological software (e.g. Paraview, MOVE, PETREL, ArcGIS) to the 3-dimensional visualization in order to avoid time consuming data transformation to highly specified visualization software, and (2) the capability to modify models directly within the visualization cluster by the user with the familiar standard software. The Cave comprises three 3.84 x 2.4 m screens (two side walls, one floor) with a resolution of 2 mm per pixel.

In the research realm using 3-dimensional visualization in the Cave provides improved and much faster recognition of complex structures and offers the immediate possibility of discussing and manipulating models during discussions with peers. A successful utilization of this system by many researchers requires, however that the familiarization with the technical and management aspects is brief in order to attract frequent users that can implement and visualize own data/models. The workshop will demonstrate how geological data is prepared and then visualized. Small exercises with sample models will be carried out in order to discuss the challenges and limitations in displaying and manipulating geological datasets in a Cave.