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The New World of 3D Geologic Mapping Terry L. Pavlis and Kelsey A. Mason, Department of Geological Sciences, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas 79968, USA ABSTRACT subsurface revolutionized hydrocarbon case study to illustrate how these high- Digital geologic mapping is now a fully exploration and could do the same for resolution visualizations of Earth can dra- matically improve the ability to resolve mature technology that dramatically field geology, where rich 3D information is available from surface geology when geometric problems in the field. We then improves field efficiency and problem there is significant topographic relief, yet speculate how this technology will reshape solving capabilities. Basic digital mapping that 3D information is mostly lost in 2D field geology in the next 5–10 years. is just the tip of the iceberg, however, in methods. In addition, we continue to regard to new and approaching capabilities teach students flat-map techniques like THE 2D DIGITAL MAPPING OF with true 3D mapping. The key advance is visualizing Earth’s surface through a top- TODAY AND THE NEW WORLD the ability to easily construct high-resolu- ographic map, yet this abstraction of Earth’s OF 3D MAPPING tion, photorealistic terrain models as a base surface is challenging for most students. surface for 3D mapping using Structure A few years ago, we (Pavlis et al., 2010) Digital globes like Google Earth help from Motion (SfM) photogrammetry ter- reviewed the history of technology that led with this problem, but we now have far to the modern generation of field data col- rain models, particularly through the aid of better options. lection systems for digital mapping, yet unmanned aerial systems (UAS). We show In this paper, we consider the problem of seven years is an eternity in this field how these technologies can aid field visu- geologic mapping and how 3D visualiza- of rapidly advancing technology. Two- alization and discuss how developing digi- tion can aid that process. We emphasize dimensional digital mapping has now tal field workflows and 3D visualizations here the importance of the distinction become a fully mature practice with will transform field studies, allowing the between 3D geologic mapping and 3D numerous applications for field geology resolution of problems that were impossibly modeling of geologic features. Whole vol- (Mookerjee et al., 2015). Software and complex without this technology. umes have been written on the latter, but hardware issues remain, but there is no INTRODUCTION 3D mapping as a data collection technique longer a doubt that paper mapping is out- is still in its infancy (e.g., MacCormack et dated due to the inherent efficiency of digi- The past 30 years have witnessed a revo- al., 2015; Buckley et al., 2016). To date the tal techniques and ability to share data lution in digital technology that has led to primary work on 3D mapping has been in readily (e.g., Whitmeyer, 2012). Moreover, astonishing changes in our lives, from the Europe and Australia, with most applica- increased mapping accuracy with GPS, use of personal devices to advanced com- tions in engineering geology and geomor- routine access to multiple data layers, and puting. Digital technology is also funda- phology (e.g., MacCormack et al., 2015; the nearly limitless scaling afforded by mentally changing field geology in ways Buckley et al., 2016). This will soon change. digital maps allow for the resolution of that will impact all geosciences. Digital We predict that 3D techniques will soon field problems that was impossible on geologic mapping has been practical for fundamentally reshape all geologic field- paper maps. Nonetheless, these systems more than 10 years (e.g., Pavlis et al., 2010), work in ways we have not even begun to are only the vanguard to a true revolution and, although many cling to paper-based realize. In particular, we emphasize that that is upon us, 3D mapping. workflows, that approach is now outdated new technology, Structure from Motion and inefficient in comparison. Digital (SfM) photogrammetry in conjunction The Problem of Early 3D Methods mapping also transforms a geologic map with unmanned aerial