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Open-File Report 2009-1229

Prepared in cooperation with the Moroccan Ministry of Energy, Mines, Water and the Environment (Ministère de l'Énergie, des Mines, de l'Eau et de l'Environnement - MEM)

A Method for Creating a Three Dimensional Model from Published Geologic Maps and Cross Sections

By Gregory J. Walsh

Right-click to download or Save As (3.77 MB)

ABSTRACT

This brief report presents a relatively inexpensive and rapid method for creating a 3D model of geology from published quadrangle-scale maps and cross sections using Google Earth™ and Google SketchUp™ software. An example from the Green Mountains of Vermont, USA, is used to illustrate the step by step methods used to create such a model. A second example is provided from the Jebel Saghro region of the Anti-Atlas Mountains of Morocco. The report was published to help enhance the public’s ability to use and visualize geologic map data.

 

 

 

 

 

Downloadable files that are part of this report:

This report consists of a text, available in PDF format, and a zip file of KML files (KMZ file).

Use the links below to download the parts of this report:

Open the KMZ file in Google Earth and play the tour for a quick flyover of the models:

  • Google Earth ver. 4.3: File, Open, browse to KMZ file, select Tools, Play Tour.
  • Google Earth ver. 5.0: File, Open, browse to KMZ file, select Tour in GE 5.0 at the bottom of the Places menu; click the Play Tour icon in the lower right corner of the Places menu.

Key software used in this report:

Google Earth™

Google SketchUp™

Posted November 2009

For additional information contact: Gregory Walsh

Part or all of this report is presented in Portable Document Format (PDF); the latest version of Adobe Reader or similar software is required to view it. Download the latest version of Adobe Reader, free of charge.


Suggested citation:

Walsh, G.J., 2009, A method for creating a three dimensional model from published geologic maps and cross sections: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2009–1229, 16 p., available online only at https://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2009/1229/.


Contents

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

References Cited



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