Improving knowledge and understanding of groundwater resources using GIS-based 3D visualisation
Project details
| Objective: |
To develop 3D models of aquifers based on data collected from geological mineral surveys. To explore the opportunities and limitations of the minerals and oil industry prospecting data sets and data assessment tools for use in building a better understanding of groundwater resources and management issues. |
| Funding: |
Total project funding of $1.2 million with $600 000 from the Australian Government Water Fund and $600 000 from the Victorian Departments of Primary Industry and Sustainability and Environment. |
| Jurisdiction: |
Victoria |
| Commenced: |
April 2008 |
| Completion: |
July 2011 |
Progress
About the project
The project will develop 3D models of aquifers based on data collected from geological mineral surveys. It will explore the opportunities and limitations of the minerals and oil industry prospecting data sets and data assessment tools for use in building a better understanding of groundwater resources and management issues. The project will focus on two pilot areas in Victoria.
Project benefits
The project will:
- Address a key deficiency in groundwater resource management that is an underpinning physical delineation of the available resource. More accurate spatial definition and understanding of aquifers, their characteristics and their interaction with the landscape will underpin many aspects of water management and planning.
- The project will provide a tool that will assist in:
-
- Determining the extent of connectivity between surface and groundwater
- Providing a tool for monitoring groundwater and warning of groundwater decline
- Additionally, the project will allow water managers and users to see the groundwater resource in 3D and its relationship to the surface and other water bodies.
- The innovative use of date collected by the minerals industry to display groundwater resources will be applicable across Australia.
- The project outcomes will be demonstrated in a number of workshops to be held at the end of the project.
More information
3d modelling using GoCAD
GoCAD stands for "Geological Computer Aided Design." It is a program specifically written for the oil and has many data types tailored for geologic use. Although petroleum geoscientists generally use it to construct 3D models based on subsurface data, it can be used with surface data to extend to the subsurface.