THE VALUE OF 3D MODELS AND DERIVATIVE PRODUCTS TO SUPPORT EVIDENCE-BASED DECISION MAKING AND FACILITATE STAKEHOLDER COMMUNICATION (Invited Presentation)

The Alberta Geological Survey (AGS) is responsible for providing information and advice about the geology and resources to the Government of Alberta, the AER, industry, and the public to support public health and safety, exploration, sustainable development, regulation, and conservation of Alberta's resources. The AGS delivers geoscience in several key areas, including surficial mapping, bedrock mapping, geological modelling, resource evaluation (hydrocarbons, minerals, groundwater), disposal and storage potential, and geological hazards. We also are responsible for providing geoscience outreach to stakeholders ranging from professional colleagues and academia to the general public.

To support these efforts, we developed a multi-scalar, multi-dimensional, geostatistically optimized, and probabilistically parameterized 3D geological model of Alberta to serve as the single-source of geological truth, providing a reliable 3D geospatial context to facilitate the integration and evaluation of surface and subsurface properties and interactions. The current version (v4) of our 3D Geological Framework of Alberta (GFA) model delineates 90+ geological units and covers 602,825 km². Current models are both consuming and producing more data than ever before, thus ensuring this information is communicated effectively to stakeholders has become increasingly important.

Our GFA has significantly improved our ability to effectively integrate and evaluate any type of geospatial data to provide science-based decisions in support of land-use planning, environmental sustainability, economic diversification and public safety. The success of our 3D GFA is contingent on properly documented and transparent processes to generate reproducible and scientifically credible predictions, as well as ensure that users are properly informed as to the model limitations and uncertainties.

This presentation will focus on how we are leveraging the 3D GFA models to build trust and confidence with stakeholders, government, and the general public by facilitating transparent communication of complex geological and environmental issues using tangible graphics and visualizations, which are easy to understand and are based on scientific evidence. A well-built geomodel may be worth a million dollars, but producing a model that stakeholders understand and can use, is priceless!