This program teaches students the fundamentals of map interpretation, including topographic section construction and outcrop pattern recognition for plane beds, dikes, or faults. Students learn to handle strike, dip, plunge, and trend angles, true versus apparent dips, and true thickness versus vertical thickness. Strike line colors change where they intersect the topography.
Students use a drawing tool to trace a plane's outcrop pattern.
The three point problem is solved automatically. The mouse shows the elevation of the plane at any fourth point. Vertical, horizontal, and true thicknesses are displayed. By moving the plane around in space, students may discover the significance of Veeing upstream or downstream patterns. Features such as outliers, inliers, tectonic klippe, and windows may be created.