GIS-based 3D visualisation and quantification tools - progress
July 2011
The project has delivered a process to better define the location and quantity of groundwater resources and produce three dimensional images of the rock formations that contain groundwater.
Groundwater managers, users and decision makers will benefit significantly from this research. Being able to provide more accurate information should lead to better management decisions, especially in locations where groundwater is heavily used for irrigation and town water requirements.
The research investigated the use of 3D visualisation and analysis software to make better use of existing geological datasets to produce 3D maps of aquifers. Two study areas in central Victoria were used to develop and test these new methods. Mining industry software has been used to help answer groundwater questions.
Scientists are now able to calculate the physical size of the groundwater reservoirs in each area providing a much better starting point for estimating how much water there is.
The other key advance is the ability to produce 3-D images of the aquifers. These are better able to show important features that are critical in understanding how to groundwater flow system works and hence how to manage the contained water resource.
The next step in the project is to apply the findings to other groundwater management areas to test the results of the study.
May 2011
Scientists from the Victorian Department of Primary Industries have now developed a process to better define the location and quantity of groundwater resources and produce three dimensional images of the rock formations that contain groundwater.
Groundwater managers, users and decision makers will benefit significantly from this research. Being able to provide more accurate information should lead to better management decisions, especially in locations where groundwater is heavily used for irrigation and town water requirements.
The research investigated the use of 3D visualisation and analysis software to make better use of existing geological datasets to produce 3D maps of aquifers. Two study areas in central Victoria were used to develop and test these new methods. Mining industry software has been used to help answer groundwater questions.
Scientists are now able to calculate the physical size of the groundwater reservoirs in each area providing a much better starting point for estimating how much water there is.
The other key advance is the ability to produce 3-D images of the aquifers. These are better able to show important features that are critical in understanding how to groundwater flow system works and hence how to manage the contained water resource.
The next step in the project is to apply the findings to other groundwater management areas to test the results of the study.
Images: A 3D block construct of the basalt aquifer in the Upper Loddon study area. The blue surface is the watertable, below which there is 4.63km3 of saturated aquifer within the bedrock paleo-valley. (Top) A geology map over digital terrain model image for the same area as the block diagram (viewed from the southeast corner). (Bottom)
November 2009
The first 3D Hydrogeology Workshop was held on 31 August-1 September 2009, at Geoscience Australia, Canberra as part of the knowledge and adoption component of this project. More than 45 geoscientists, hydrogeologists and water managers from around Australia participated.
The workshop highlighted the importance of multi-disciplinary collaborations between hydrogeologists, geologists, computer programmers, mathematicians, spatial scientists and social scientists in exploring the potential of this new field. The conference extended abstracts. Presentations are expected to be available on the GeoScience Australia website shortly.
December 2008
Initial geological mapping and 3D interpretation has been loaded into the GoCAD* format for both study areas (Upper Loddon and Campaspe) and tested in 3D visualisation facility at Geoscience Victoria.
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