From 3d geomodelling systems towards 3d geoscience information systems: Data model, query functionality, and data management

Two-dimensional GIS are extensively used in geology to create, analyse, and interpret geological map models. However, these systems are unable to represent the Earth's subsurface in three spatial dimensions. The objective of this article is to overcome this deficiency and to provide a general framework for a 3d GIS.The presented approach is based on existing 3d geomodelling theory and software, and is characterized by an integrated data model for geological observation data and geomodels, data management supported by an XML-enabled database server, and functionality for querying observation data and 3d geomodels based on their 3d spatial and geological properties. The resulting 3d GIS framework enables geologists to manipulate, analyse and interpret 3d geomodels analogously as they work with 2d geological maps.