Geological 3D modelling : scientific discovery and enhanced understanding of the subsurface, with examples from the UK

In recent years, with the improvement of computer processing power and the development of sophisticated visualisation software, the traditional static views of geological maps, cross-sections and other analogue representations have been replaced by digital, three-dimensional (3D) models. Building these 3D models involves the assembly of many previously isolated and disparate datasets into a single 3D spatial framework for visualisation and analysis. This enables the construction of the best possible geological 3D model using all available information. This paper gives examples of how geoscientific understanding has benefited from the construction of 3D models by the British Geological Survey using several examples to illustrate how structural, stratigraphical and sedimentological discovery can result from the construction of 3D models.