ENVIRONMENTAL AND ENGINEERING GEOLOGY APPLICATION OF 3-D MAPPING FOR THE CHARLESTON SC REGION

Research at the Santee Cooper GIS Laboratory of the Department of Geology and Environmental Geosciences at the College of Charleston in Charleston, South Carolina, has been focusing integration of 3-Dimensionsal mapping techniques into a variety of applications in the Charleston SC region. This paper focuses on the wide range of uses the technologies have for environmental and engineering Geology. The use of Digital Elevation Models (DEMs), aerial and ground based LIDAR systems, and stereo satellite and aerial photography can be combined to generate an enhanced 3-D model of the topography an area within the GIS. The applications for higher resolution 3-D models of the Charleston region are necessary for a wide variety of environmental and engineering Geology problems in the region. Charleston, South Carolina is located in what is referred to as the Low county on the Atlantic Coastal plain. Differences of less then a foot in the low country often determine desirable from undesirable land. The local tourist industry and economy depend on the fragile balance of the wetland and barrier island environments. Three-dimensional mapping has been essential in planning and hazard mitigation in this region. The 3-d models of the region have been essential in hydrologic and watershed studies. Additionally, 3-D models and LIDAR data can be used over longer periods of time, to show patters of erosion and accretion and study the growth and movement of South Carolina's barrier islands.