Why3D? : the need for solution based modeling in a national geoscience organization

In recent years national geoscience organizations have increasingly utilized 3D model data as an output to the stakeholder community. Advances in both software and hardware have led to an increasing use of 3D depictions of geoscience data alongside the standard 2D data formats such as maps and GIS data. By characterizing geoscience data in 3D, knowledge transfer between geoscientists and stakeholders is improved as the mindset and thought processes are communicated more effectively in a 3D model than in a 2D flat file format. 3D models allow the user to understand the conceptual basis of the 2D data and aids the decision making process at local, regional and national scales. Some of these issues include foundation and engineering conditions, ground water vulnerability, aquifer recharge and flow, and resource extraction and storage. The British Geological Survey has established a mechanism and infrastructure through the Digital Geoscience Spatial Model Programme (DGSM) to produce these types of 3D geoscience outputs. This cyber-infrastructure not only allows good data and information management, it enables geoscientists to capture their know-how and implicit and tacit knowledge for their 3D interpretations. A user of this data will then have access to value-added information for the 3D dataset including the knowledge, approach, inferences, uncertainty, wider context and best practice acquired during the 3D interpretation. To complement this cyber-infrastructure, an immersive 3D Visualization Facility was constructed at the British Geological Survey offices in Keyworth, Nottingham and Edinburgh. These custom built facilities allow stereo projection of geoscience data, immersing the users and stakeholders in a wealth of 3D geological data. Successful uses of these facilities include collaborative 3D modeling, demonstrations to public stakeholders and Virtual Field Mapping Reconnaissance.