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Introduction
In the life cycle of a geologic mapping project, a geolo-
gist is likely to use five or more different software packages,
such as borehole logging programs (WellCAD, LogPlot),
database programs (Microsoft Access, Oracle), GIS programs
(ArcGIS), specialized modeling software (RockWorks, Surfer,
gOcad, GSI3D), and Web-based tools (Google Maps/Earth,
Microsoft Virtual Earth). In addition to these programs,
graphics programs, such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and
InDesign, are used for cartographic and production work.
Although there is some overlap in functionality among
software packages, there is currently no one-stop solution for
geologic mapping. For a given task in the mapping process,
one program might be better suited than others. The choice
of software is often a matter of personal preference and
convenience as well as functionality.
This paper, based on a poster presented at the 2011 DMT
Workshop, focuses on the functionality of Esri’s ArcScene
for 3D mapping. I discuss techniques for creating and editing
3D boreholes and cross sections using custom tools as well
as out-of-the-box functionality in ArcScene 10. Examples
from mapping projects at the Illinois State Geological Survey
(ISGS) illustrate how these are used in the mapping workflow.
The customization of ArcScene with Visual Basic for
Applications (VBA) has played a key role in making ArcScene
efficient and practical for geologic mapping.
Advantages of ArcScene
• The interactive 3D environment that ArcScene pro-
vides is useful for helping us visualize and understand
geologic relations in the subsurface.
• The 3D navigation tools are relatively intuitive and
easy to use.
• With ArcScene, users can take advantage of existing
data storage formats and workflows already developed
for ArcGIS without having to convert data.
• Data in a stand-alone Access database can be read or
imported with minimal processing.
• Multiple options exist for customizing and automating
tasks: Geoprocessor scripting with Python, Add-ins
with ArcObjects, and Model Builder.
• Help and information about customization techniques
are well documented by Esri and an active user com-
munity.
Limitations of ArcScene
• Texture mapping of vertical surfaces, for example drap-
ing an image of a cross section on a vertical wall, is
problematic. ArcScene still seems to have trouble with
vertical surfaces in general.
• When dealing with the large volumes of data often
required by geologic mapping, memory can get used
up quickly, causing slow performance and hang-ups.
The workaround has been to divide data into smaller
geographic areas.
• In ArcScene 10, new 3D geoprocessing tools might
work for simple multipatches representing buildings,
but they tend to crash when 3D geologic volumes are
input.
Tools and Techniques for 3D Geologic Mapping in ArcScene:
Boreholes, Cross Sections, and Block Diagrams
By Jennifer Carrell
Illinois State Geological Survey
Prairie Research Institute
615 E. Peabody Drive
Champaign, IL 61801
Telephone: (217) 244-2764
email: jcarrell@illinois.edu
From “Digital Mapping Techniques ‘11–12—Workshop Proceedings”
U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2014–1167
http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2014/1167/