3D Geological Modeling with Multi-Source Data Integration for Asl Member in Rudies Formation Gulf of Suez
Authors: Ramadan Shaimaa 
Published: July 2019

By stepwise refinement on multiple data, the method increases the accuracy of 3D models gradually and effectively. In addition, the mechanisms used in the method for organizing and manipulating information can have an equally important impact upon geologists’ thought, the interpretation of geological data, and 3D modeling methodology. A concrete example of using the method to Huai Bei fault and fold belt shows that the method can be applied to broad and complex geological areas. The technology of 3D geological modeling will bring about great changes in the methods of acquiring, storing, processing and displaying geological data. The 3D modeling methods frequently used are mainly based on plenty of 2D/3D seismic data or borehole data with cross sections between boreholes. Outlined a prospective 3D model construction method that depends on a 2.5D geological mapping anddata extraction technique. An open CORBA-based system architecture was presented that connects two existing geoscientific software tools—the geological 3D modeling and visualization tool (GOCAD) and a geophysical 3D modeling tool (IGMAS)––via a 3D Geo-database kernel. We propose a stepwise refinement method with multi-source data integration and present a comprehensive yet convenient 3D modeling system. The method can naturally simulate geological structures no matter whether the available geological data is sufficient or not. By stepwise refinement on multiple data, the method increases the accuracy of 3D modeling gradually and effectively. In addition, the mechanisms used in the method for organizing and manipulating information. 3D subsurface visualization system (SVS) has been developed. The SVS implemented in Visual C++ 6.0 and OpenGL graphics library and being able to run on the PC platform, provides a comprehensive yet convenient environment, which makes it possible for the user to build 3D models in oil exploration where there is enough available data, as well as in geological survey and mineral extraction where the geological data is insufficient. The method/SVS can be applied to broad and complex geological areas. The proposed method builds 3D models from multisource data in a stepwise manner and involves six steps: (1) integration of 2D/2.5D data, (2) supplement of cross sections, (3) Simulation of faults, (4) definition of a template, (5) construction of horizons, and (6) representation of solids. Data of different types and qualities are first merged into a 3D geologic model by data conversion interfaces. The diverse data are classified into three types: direct data, indirect data, or assistant data, depending on the type and the purpose of the information and application.

• 1-Direct data, such as borehole data and property data, is original sampling data obtained by direct observation and survey, and is highly accurate.

• 2-Indirect data, being original too, has different precision with different resolutions of graphs, such as boundaries, faults, folds and DEM derived from geological maps, topographic maps and structural geology maps, as well as 2D/3D seismic-reflection data, exploring data, etc. This type of data should be stored as files after being digitized. However, this kind of data cannot be used as direct input data for the 3D modeling system.

• 3-Assistant data will be used in the process of 3D modeling as icons like 2D/3D primitives, and texture maps including satellite or aerial imagery, scanned maps, etc. The research in the past has focused on generating 3D models from borehole and cross-section data. This has limitations, however, since these data are lacking in many areas. In this section, we emphasize on how to use data of different types and qualities, as well as various mathematical methods to gradually refine 3D models to a desired accuracy.