Management of 3D geological models at the British Geological Survey

The British Geological Survey (BGS) has been building digital 3D structural geological models for around 20 years. Today, we have many models, from local to national scale, which together comprise the National Geological Model[1]. The National Geological Model is constantly evolving and being extended and refined by a range of projects. Depending on the type of model (quaternary, bedrock), the geological complexity, the scale, and the nature and distribution of available input data (e.g. boreholes), these models are built using a range of methods. These include 1) the construction of interlocking networks of interpreted cross-sections and related subsurface coverage maps, 2) CAD-based geo-object modelling in a 3D scene, and 3) geo-statistical implict/numerical models. This heterogenous approach to model building allows the geologist to apply the best, most pragmatic method to the project at hand. However, this creates challenges for the systems developer who must seek to archive and manage the model data in a consistent and standardized form.