GIS TECHNIQUES FOR DISPLAYING SSURGO LAYER INFORMATION IN 3-D FOR ENGINEERING AND GEOMORPHIC ANALYSIS

Early on Geomorphologists and Engineering Geologists recognized the importance of the NRCS's (Natural Resource Conservation Service) Soils databases. Many workers have used the STATSGO 1:250,000 scale mapping to look at trends and develop regional geologic/ geomorphic maps. Recent advances in GIS technologies and the integration of 3-D visualizations tools have allowed both the STATSGO and SSURGO (1:24,000) soil databases to be used to understand the complex geomorphic history of a region. This paper focuses on techniques that can be used within the GIS environment to manipulate the SSUGO databases to allow them to be used in a true 3-D environment. Simple manipulations of the databases designed by the NRCS can lead to powerful visualizations for understanding the genesis of the present day South Carolina Coastal plain. Furthermore, theses visualizations can be used to better understand the distribution and allocation of resources (Sand, Gravel and near surface aquifers) in the region.