Trends and Themes Related to using Geological Information Focusing on Three-Dimensional Geologic Maps

Abstract

 Geology has basic and applied scientific aspects. A geologic map provides useful information for displaying Earth's scientific features, social activity, and economic activity. Geologic maps traditionally have been expressed by two dimensions. Recently, digital geologic maps are created as the processing technology of computers has improved, and many three-dimensional geologic maps are now created in several countries. In Japan, the database of subsurface information is still advancing, so it is thought that the research of a three-dimensional geologic map may be valuable in the near future. Also, a change of geological information distribution accompanying development of an information technology has brought about expansion and diversification of users. So more intelligent information distribution for the user is needed, without losing high quality. In order to fill the demands of users and to raise the worth of geological information, creation of a three-dimensional geologic map is an effective method. For these reasons, in the future, three-dimensional geological information should be distributed positively. In this paper, the research trends of three-dimensional geologic maps are reviewed, and the challenges and future themes are discussed.