This electronic flyer highlights our capabilities and activities in the area of Digital Terrain Modeling of Geologic Structure Physical Models. Please sign our guestbook. For additional information, e-mail Darrell W. Sims, Southwest Research Institute.

Digital Terrain Modeling of Geologic Structure Physical Models

About the cover: (Top) Overhead photograph of irregular dome developed in clay model during regional extension; (Bottom) Slope map of irregular dome developed in clay model during regional extension

Mapping of 3D seismic reflection surveys, availability of 3D digital topographic data for the surface of Earth and Mars, and development of computer software for 3D visualization and geologic framework modeling have led to rapid growth in 3D analysis of geologic structures.

Southwest Research Institute® (SwRI®) has developed a new technique to produce digital terrain models (DTMs) of the deformed model upper surface using dynamic structured light (DSL).* Digital images of the model's upper surface are collected throughout the deformation process. These images are processed in near real time to construct 3D DTMs  representing the topography of the model upper surface.

Using this technology, scientists quantify the morphology of deforming models in high resolution and expand the data derived from laboratory simulations of geologic deformation. The DSL 3D imaging technology was selected among the 100 most significant accomplishments of 2004 by R&D Magazine.

Digital terrain model (oblique view) showing extensional fault system in clay model

3D DTM Applications

Visualization
Extraction of fault cutoff lines
Export to finite element models
Extraction of topographic slope
Extraction of slope aspect information
Quantitative evaluation of morphologic evolution
Production of digital shaded relief models
Quantitative comparison with real-world examples from digital topographical data, 3D seismic reflection surveys, and geologic framework modeling
Fault growth and development


Overhead photograph showing extensional fault system in clay model	Slope map derived from digital terrain model of extensional fault system shown at left and above

For more information on the Energy Exploration and Development, please visit: www.geoscience.swri.org

Seeing in Black and White Article
DSL 3-D Imaging Brochure

This flyer was published in May 2008. For more information about Digital Terrain Modeling of Geologic Structure Physical Models, contact Darrell W. Sims, Phone (210) 522-6829, Fax (210) 522-5155, Geosciences and Engineering Division, Southwest Research Institute, P.O. Drawer 28510, San Antonio, Texas 782298-0510.

Geosciences and Engineering Brochures
SwRI Brochures SwRI Publications
SwRI Technical Divisions SwRI Home