SketchUp for Geoscientists - Google SketchUp Workshop: Modeling, Visualizing, and Illustrating - page 269

Step 9: Interpolate a Surface Between Sections
Goal : To create a realistic surface between two or more sections.
Inputs : Scanned cross sections and digitized tops.
Tools : SketchUp Pro, and Soap Skin and Bubble Plug-in.
A common requirement for geoscientists is to interpolate surfaces between
digitized cross sections. The manual option is to draw lines between the cross
sections until a surface is created. To simulate a more natural-looking surface,
I used a soap bubble interpolation between the lines using the Soap Skin and
Bubble Plug-in for SketchUp (Leibinger, 2007). This enabled pushing and pull-
ing the structure to confirm the structural interpretation. The following work-
flow interpolates the top of the Paeleaozoic (Pz) between two cross sections.
FiG 15.16
Digitize the Pz horizon line on the georeferenced cross sections using the
$$$Line$$$ and Arc tools. Join the ends of the lines to create a closed loop
and triple-click the line to select the entire loop. Use the Skin tool to create a
skin between the loops. Choose the number of vertices, and adjust the X/Y
ratio to make the skin bulge or droop. The results were used to create realistic
petroleum reservoirs from sections and existing interpreted contours. A good
alternative is the SubdivideAndSmooth.rb, which creates organic 3D shapes
from block models.
Part 3: Mine Model Using SketchUp and
ArcGIS
I used SketchUp to create a 3D visualization of an abandoned mine in
Kyrgyzstan from Russian plans. The aim was to validate the location of the
mine within Monitor Energy Ltd's exploration permit. The SketchUp model
enabled me to communicate of ideas and concepts with the teams, provide
illustrations for brochures, and ultimately to sell the prospect to investors.