GEOLOGIC VIEWS AT ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK, COLORADO

Geologic maps describe the underlying physical conditions of many natural systems and are an integral component of the physical science inventories stipulated by the National Park Service (NPS). The NPS has identified GIS and digital cartographic products as fundamental resource management tools. The NPS Geologic Resources Division (GRD) Geologic Resources Evaluation (GRE) program is tasked with producing digital geologic-GIS data for approximately 270 units of the National Park System. Colorado State University (CSU) is a partner in the development and production of these products. Using Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) ArcGlobe software, digital geologic-GIS data produced by the NPS GRE program was draped over a 3D terrain model created from one-meter pixel resolution color aerial photography and a 10-meter DEM to produce a 3D geologic map of Rocky Mountain National Park and Vicinity, Colorado. Using this 3D geologic map, several 3D oblique views of prominent geologic features located within the park were developed. These views, typically not visible to the casual park visitor, highlight a possible use of this data and technology as not only a visualization tool, but an avenue for geologic research.