The Victorian Government has released the details of a 3D Visualisation Facility, developed to help government scientists and private institutions to model geological information.
The 3D facility is composed of a number of different technologies including Petromod, petroleum migration and fluid flow modelling software and 3D Studio Max from Autodesk, which is commonly used for game development. However the core software is one called GoCad - a set of advanced geological modelling software packages.
GoCad was originally developed by a research consortium, originating from the Nancy Université in France. Created in 1989 their aim was to develop new models for geological research however Paradigm Geophysical (based in The Netherlands) commercialised the solution.
In Victoria, the 3D Visualisation Facility will be used to model topical geological studies, such as climate change modelling and identifying potential reservoirs for carbon sequestration. One of these potential sites is the Gipssland Basin, where $5.2 is being spent investigating its potential to be a carbon sink for Australia.
References:
Department of Primary Industries 2008, 3D Visualisation Facility
Paradigm Geophysical 2008, Stratigraphic Delineation
