SERIC

3D Modelling of Mount Gambier

SERIC has been experimenting with applications for a 3D elevation model of Mount Gambier city and environs. The model is created using 3D Analysis software to extrapolate a detailed 1m contour dataset sourced from the Department of Environment and Heritage.

The contours are converted to a TIN model consisting of millions of tiny triangular facets representing the ground surface. The model can then be rendered using colour shading by elevation or draped with an aerial photograph to provide a real world depiction.

The result is a realistic three dimensional view of Mount Gambier looking west across the Blue Lake towards centenary tower. Once created the 3D model can be viewed from any angle and overlayed with other spatial data for analysis and interpretation purposes.

One such example is geological data that SERIC has assisted the Department of Water Land and Biodiversity Conservation to obtain and analyse.

The original data was collected from sewer trenches over 30 years ago and stored in handwritten field notebooks. SERIC has worked with the DWLBC to convert these data into a spatial format.

The detailed elevation model has then been used to accurately fix the top of each geological column relative to the land surface, allowing extrapolation and interpretation of the underlying strata within each column.

The resultant image below indicates depth of the volcanic ash layer below the Mount.