Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
6/7, ESRI ArcGIS 9.2/9.3, and Google Earth 4/5 to build the 3D models for the
following:
• Genericandconceptualpetroleumdiagrams.
• RegionalpetroleumbasinimportedfromArcGIS.
• UndergroundminesitefromhistoricplansandGPS.
The results are applied to exploratory data analysis, conceptual modeling,
illustrating, marketing, and exploration planning. The resulting 3D models
confirm that SketchUp is powerful and simple to use, but has limitations with
geographical information system (GIS) integration. SketchUp is unsuitable for
volumetrics, large images, or large data sets and lacks a relational data struc-
ture. SketchUp neither is a true 3D modeling system nor has the functional-
ity of geoscience modeling software. The SketchUp users are pushing these
limitations through innovation. The results confirm that SketchUp with ArcGIS
is a practical tool for geoscience education, marketing, conceptual modeling,
and qualitative 3D visualization.
Project Context
The idea for the MSc thesis was a presentation of a 3D annotated sketch of
potential petroleum traps. This visualization was highly effective for enhanc-
ing geological understanding of the petroleum potential. A brief Internet
search suggested that millions of people were using the same software for
sketching 3D models, sharing them through a 3D warehouse, and viewing
them in a virtual globe. However, there was only one shared geoscience
model (GeoSum3D, 2007). The lack of geoscience models contrasted with
the popularity of the software and identified the topic for research. The
number of users confirms the future of SketchUp, but is such a tool practical
for geoscientists? The author, who is a geoscientist, identifies the following
minimum requirements:
Part 1: Create generic 3D geological features.
Part 2: Create a sedimentary basin model from ArcGIS data.
Part 3: Create a 3D mine model from scanned maps and ArcGIS.
Techniques Utilized
ArcGIS/SketchUp Integration
The ArcGIS 9.2 plug-in was used for import of selected features and surfaces
into SketchUp:
• Importof2Dand3Dshapeiles.
• Importofpersonalgeodatabasepoint,line,polygon,andmultipatch
feature classes.
• SketchUpmodelswereusedaspointmarkersymbolsinArcScene/ArcGIS
3D Analyst.
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