UTD Cybermapping Lab
Introduction
The Cybermapping Laboratory has developed an integrated system utilizing a variety of technology such as GPS (Global Positioning System), reflectorless laser rangefinders and cameras, managed by GIS (Geographic Information System) software on ruggedized pen-based portable field computers to rapidly, accurately map features in 3D space, especially terrain and geology. With this system, digital data can be easily captured in 3D, allowing the rendering and mapping of geologic data in 3D geometrically and globally. These renderings will be useful to visualize, analyze, interpret and communicate and therefore understand geological systems from a variety of perspectives. They can also be used as the input for studies that require quantitative 3D information, such as for hydrocarbon reservoirs and aquifers . Ultimately this allows the extension of the more traditional 2-dimensional approach to geology as a series of 2-D plan-view maps and 2-D cross sections to true 3D , opening up an entirely new appropriate way of looking at geology; globally referenced and in three dimensions with high accuracy (centimeter to decimeter).
Consortium Proposal (new)
3-D Digital Geology: Acquisition, Visualization and Analysis (CyberMapping).
System Setup
A variety type of survey instruments and software have been utilized, including various GPS systems, reflectorless laser rangefinders (including reflectorless total stations), digital cameras, portable computers, and our own and GIS and 3D visualization and analysis software.
- GPS
- Reflectorless Laser Rangefinding System
- Software (coming soon)
Projects
- Preston Canyon Mapping.
- Utah Corbula Gulch Project (coming soon)
- Utah Muddy Creek Mapping Project
- Building photorealistic virtual 3D outcrop of the Austin Chalk
- Mapping subtle regional structures in Wyoming
- Reservoir Characterization and Visualization
- Egypt Adventure (coming soon)
Short course
In October 23-24, 1999, Carlos Aiken, Kent Nielsen, and Xueming Xu gave a two-day short course of our digital mapping approach at the GSA annual meeting in Denver. Here are some action photos and results. They have been invited to present another short course in Reno, Nevada in 2000 at the next national GSA meeting.
Manual
Nielsen, K.C., Aiken, C.L.V., and Xu, X., 1999. Digital mapping methods: accurate digital data capture and analysis for the field geoscientist, geological Society of America, GSA Continuing Education Manual, 119p.
Theses/Dissertations
M. Balde, Ph.D., 1994, Vertical control by GPS satellite surveying techniques and high resolution geoid computation: Applications in high accuracy mapping and geophysical data acquisition, UTD.
Lyman, Gregory D., Msc., 1997, Terrain mapping by reflectorless laser rangefinding systems for inner zone terrain corrections, UTD.
Papers
CLV Aiken, M. Balde, X. Xu, MG Abdelsalam, MF de la Fuente and M. Mena, 1997, Integrated studies of Mexico with gravity, magnetic and GIS database, ,Leading Edge, Society of Exploration Geophysicists, p. 1779-1785, Dec.
CLV Aiken, M. Balde, JF Ferguson, GD Lyman, X. Xu and AH Cogbill, 1998, Recent developments in digital gravity data acquisition on land, Leading Edge, Society of Exploration Geophysicists p. 93-97, Jan.
CLV Aiken, GD Lyman, M. Balde, and X. Xu., 1997, An Integrated Digital Gravity/GPS/GIS/Reflectorless Laser System for High Resolution Gravity Surveys, Proceedings from the High Resolution Geophysics Workshop, University of Arizona, Tucson, Az , CD-ROM.
Hare, J., Ferguson, J., Aiken, C. L. V. and Oldow, J., submitted, Journal of Geophysical Research , Quantitative Characterization and Elevation Estimation of Lake Lahonton Shoreline Terraces from High Resolution Digital Elevation Models.
Xu, X., C. Aiken, and K. S. Nielsen. 1999. Real time and the virtual outcrop improve geological field mapping, EOS, v. 80, p. 317,322-324.
Xu, X., C. Aiken, J. P. Bhattacharya, R. M. Corbeanu, K. C. Nielsen, G. A. McMechan, and M. G. Abdelsalam, 2000. Creating virtual 3-D outcrop, Leading Edge, Society of Exploration Geophysicists, v19 (2), 197-202.
Xu, Xueming, Janok B. Bhattacharya, Russell K. Davies and Carlos L.V. Aiken, 2000, in press. Digital geologic mapping of the Ferron Sandstone, Muddy Creek, Utah with GPS and lasers, GPS Solutions.
Abstracts
X. Xu, CLV Aiken, K. Nielsen, G. Lyman and M. Balde, 1997. Digital geologic mapping in 3D in the Aust in Chalk, Plano, Texas,, Geological Society of America Annual Meeting, Salt Lake City, Utah.
X. Xu, C. Aiken, K.C. Nielsen, J.B. Bhattacharya, R. Corbeanu, M. Balde, R. Davies, H, Corbeanu, M. Wizevich and G.A. McMechan, 1998. The digital geologic mapping of the Ferron Sandstone, Utah, by the Integration of GPS, Laser rangefinders, cameras and G.I.S. [cybercapture], Abstract, Presented at Geological Society of America Annual Meeting, Toronto, Canada.
Xu, X., Aiken, C. L. V., Corbeanu, R., Bhattacharya, J., Zeng, X., McMechan, G. A., 1999. 3D Geological Model by Digital Mapping of Corbula Gulch Ferron Sandstone, Utah, GSA, Denver, CO.
Nielsen, K. C., Xu, X., Aiken, C. L., and AbdelSalam, M. G., 1999, Digital Mapping of Stratigraphic Geometries: Issues and Examples of Practical Implementation." , GSA, Denver, CO.
Aiken, C. L. V., Xu, X., Nielsen, K. C., 1999. The Case History of Digital Mapping of a Road Cut: The Dakota Group Along I-70 West of Denver. GSA, Denver.
Nielsen, K. C, Xu, X., Aiken, C., and Abdelsalam, M. G., 2000. Digital Mapping Systems: Electronic Data Capture and Analysis for Field Studies, International Conference in the Western Desert of Egypt: Geological Environment and Development Potentials, Cairo, Egypt.
BHATTACHARYA, J. P., ENDRESEN, J., XU, X., AIKEN, C. L.V., 2000, Using GPS and Lasers to Map Subtle Tectonic Structures that Control Positions of Reservoir Sandstones in Foreland Basins, AAPG, New Oleans, LA.
Invited Presentations
Schlumberger Laboratory, Ridglefield , Conn.,1998, C Aiken and X. Xu, Digital gravity and geologic mapping.
Houston Society of Potential Fields Geophysicists, Houston, TX, 1998, C. Aiken, Reflectorless laser rangefinding systems for gravity terrain corrections.
Louisiana Society of Professional Surveyors., LSPS Annual Covention, Lafayette, La., 1998, C. Aiken, Short Course on Geoidal Corrections in Surveying.
Region 10 Dallas Independent School District, January, 2000. C Aiken, X. Xu and T. Chen, Ins and Outs of GIS.
If you have problems, comments, or suggestions,
please contact Xueming Xu.
Last updated: Monday, 27-Feb-2000