THE CHALLENGE OF AN OPERATIONAL 3D FUTURE

Geological surveys face technical and more intractable managerial and cultural challenges as they contemplate a future where operational 3D modelling replaces 2D mapping. For more than 20 years now geological surveys have experimented with 3D geological modelling. In the last 5 years some, but far from all, are attempting to move their focus from research and experimentation, to deployment. In research mode, diversity of software is not an issue; in operational mode consistency and efficiency are paramount and the ideal solution is one package, but will it deliver the diverse outcomes? It may be a chore for a research project to assemble the data to model, but it is not a significant task; the situation is very different in implementing a national or State 3D modelling strategy. Here if the basic DEM, geological map, borehole and geophysical data are not readily available digitally, the burden is huge. Deploying modelling corporately assumes continuity, which means that data and application standards must be in place and a corporate approach to scientific data management is a prerequisite. Models are not only for internal consumption and need to be delivered to clients who may not possess the capacity to manipulate or understand them. A 3D model, however, comprehensive and precise, is of little value if it cannot be understood. It is a fact that the current market for models is small, further few spatial data infrastructure initiatives recognise the importance, or even the presence, of the 3^rd dimension - we have much communication to do. The cultural and managerial challenges of moving to operational 3D modelling are perhaps the most difficult. Models contain more knowledge and are more versatile than maps, but they take more resources to produce. Few geological surveys are able to inject the funds needed to match ambitious strategies. “Re-purposing” models built for specific clients will be essential. Field geologists do not find it easy to move from their traditional practices and limited resources makes the move more difficult. Finally, to return to the first paragraph; it is, unfortunately, not a given that all geological surveys operate as organisations whose prime mission is to deliver geological knowledge for their societies. For perhaps too many surveys research and experimentation takes priority over deployment.