Visualization of Geologic Subsurface Data Using 3D Modeling Software

Presented by

Chad Flynn, GISP, GIS Analyst David Hankins, P.G., GIS Analyst

Trihydro Corporation

Trihydro ó Consulting firm ó Environmental ó Engineering ó Air and Process Management

ó Sectors ó Petroleum ó Federal and State ó Mining and Natural Resources

ó BIPS group ó Data and solutions management

ó Water and Natural Resources ó IT Resources ó Industrial and Commercial ó Infrastructure

Cross Sections and 3D Modeling at Trihydro

Methods for Creating Cross Sections

ó Leapfrog Hydro

ó ArcGIS Desktop

ó Aquaveo Subsurface Analyst

Leapfrog Hydro 3D geological models and to create 3D models of contaminant plumes

2D cross sections cut through 3D models

Creating Cross Sections in ArcMap Manual cross section layout techniques

ó Use a grid to locate cross section features

ó Use a spreadsheet to manage coordinates

Aquaveo Subsurface Analyst

ó Build a catalog of subsurface data

ó Automate layout of cross section features

Use a grid to locate and place cross section features

Simple but time consuming

Using Arcmap as a Graphics Program

Using a Spreadsheet to Manage Coordinates

Reversing Cross Section Orientation The cross section orientation can be reversed using the Mirror Features Tool

Mirror Line

Reversed cross section Original cross section

Move new reversed cross section

Aquaveo Subsurface Analyst

Aquaveo Subsurface Analyst is an Arcmap extension which includes a toolbar and a toolbox.

Trihydro has begun utilizing Aquaveo Subsurface Analyst to create geologic cross sections within Arcmap.

Subsurface Analyst Data Organization Arc Hydro Groundwater (AHGW)

2D Cross Section (XS2D) Components Borehole Components

Creating a 2D Cross Section Text files are imported into an AGHW geodatabase

Borehole table

HGU table

Well Table

Creating a 2D Cross Section XS2D Catalog, delineated well and boring lines, and data frame are built

A A’

Creating a 2D Cross Section Lithology polygon features are drawn

A A’

Adding Additional Features Soil samples, water samples, and water elevations may be added

Adding Well Construction Data Well construction data may be added to show riser, screen, fill, etc.

Plotting Geophysical Data Geophysical data may be plotted next to wells and borings

Complete Cross Section

Changing Vertical Exaggeration Changing the vertical scale of a cross section using the Scale tool

Data Requirements

• Table containing soil boring and well coordinates, elevations, and total depths

• Table containing well construction details in depths

• Table containing depths of lithologic contacts

• Tables containing water level, soil sample, and discrete water sample depths

• Tables containing geophysical log data

Lessons Learned

ó Where to get help ó Aquaveo YouTube channel ó Help documentation and tutorials available

ó Setup ó Installation of the software on a network server

ó Save often ó Tech support ó Aquaveo tech support has been very responsive

ó Huge time savings ó Improved accuracy