3D GeoExplorer
The 3D GeoExplorer (an add-on module for VIEWLOG GIS and PRO) can be used to create a three-dimensional visualization of your VIEWLOG geologic model. When activated, the 3D GeoExplorer opens as a new window, and can remain open while you continue to edit your basemap and/or cross sections. Gridded data, such as a digital elevation model (DEM), or subsurface layers (e.g., aquifer, aquitard, or bedrock surfaces) can be displayed in 3D. Layers can be set as semi-transparent.
Navigation in the 3D window is simple, as the arrow keys and mouse are used to control fly-through speed, viewing angle, rotation and position. The ‘drill-down’ command allows you to move vertically up or down through your model.
Snapshots of the 3D view can be saved at any location. These snapshots can be made at any resolution, and image quality is not limited to screen resolution.
The 3D GeoExplorer can record the 3D flight path as you fly through the geologic model. This allows you to stop, replay, retrace or fast-forward through your model. Flight paths can be saved and reloaded, and recorded movies (AVI format) of the 3D motion can be created.
Map Editor
The Map Editor includes tools that combine the key features of GIS, CAD and image processing into an integrated tool for geoscientists. Key objects are managed as high-level, 3D ‘geo-objects, with integrated analysis functions. These geo-objects include:
• Borehole Data Sources: borehole data is drawn from any ACCESS, Oracle or SQL database
• These data can be posted in plan view, cross section and 3D
• Parameter Data Sets: Used to manage geologic properties (i.e., layer surfaces, geologic units, water levels).
• Parameters can be posted, interpolated to a grid, edited and contoured in both plan view and cross section.
• Numerous functions are available for comparing and editing parameters.
Cross Sections:
• Creating a cross section is as simple as drawing a polyline on your basemap. In cross-section view, you can dynamically shift your sections through your geologic model.
• Geologic interpretation is done by creating interactive geologic formation picks and 3D interpretation lines on section. Geologic picks are stored in a database table, and both picks and 3D polylines can be included in the interpolation process.
• Vertical exaggeration and borehole offset projection distance can be changed easily, even after interpretation. All Map Editor selection and drawing functions are available in cross section view.
Log Editor
The Log Editor includes functions to edit, display and interpret a variety of borehole measurements, such as geological description, core photos, lithology symbols, well construction details and geophysical logs.
Features include:
• Data Display
• All aspects of log display and scaling are under user control
• Log Editing
• There are powerful features for stretching, smoothing, trimming, re-sampling, averaging and linking logs. Data can be edited point-by-point, if necessary.
• Log Calculations
• Users can write log-processing equations to generate new logs or to correct existing ones.
• Lithologic Interpretation
• You can create multiple columns of contact lines and text interpretation to display beside the logs.
• Lithological symbols can be customized.
• Templates
• You can set up log templates such that boreholes can be displayed in a consistent manner for (i) cross section, (ii) 3D, and (iii) Preview mode for individual borehole logs.
• Cross Plotting
• You can cross plot any two logs with any combination of linear and logarithmic scaling. Polygons can be drawn on a cross plot to identify depth intervals
• Z plots
• Select a third lot for classifying the symbols on a plot to create a Z-plot. Use symbols or numbers to identify the Z-log value and combine it with polygons to identify depth intervals.
GSFLOW
The GSFLOW Management Module for VIEWLOG provides a complete set of pre– and post-processing functions for the U.S.G.S. GSFLOW and integrated groundwater flow model. The GSFLOW module is fully integrated with VIEWLOG and it builds on the Well Database, geologic modeling, mapping, cross section and 3D tools within VIEWLOG, adding Time Series analysis of observations and outputs and full transient animations.
This module addresses the modelling process from a new perspective: A data-driven approach. Today’s modellers need database, mapping, gridding and contouring tools that are not simply targeted at a single model simulation. Complex model geometry, fine model grids and transient simulations demand a new level of data integration and management.
VIEWLOG manages gridded data in a manner that is independent of GSFLOW. The user links this gridded data to the standard GSFLOW input files. This linking process is performed through a simple menu, and different linking sets can be easily saved and reloaded later.
This approach recognizes that a modelling project is made up of many simulations, often with only small changes in input parameters. This simplifies the management of a complex set of simulations, because there is no need to duplicate the common input parameters. There is no difference between the format of input and output parameters; therefore, outputs from one simulation can be used as input for the next.