Geological Modeling

Geological modeling allows geologists, paleoclimatologists and structural geologists – to create models of the earth parts, such as: the oceans, aquifers, oil fields, and the crust. Many professions require accurate geological models, such as drilling companies within the oil and gas fields, who require information regarding the exact location of oil wells, for drilling purposes. These 3D geological models are concise, accurate, to the inch – with the use of concise measurement technologies.

There are six components to a geological model, these are: structural framework, rock type, reservoir quality, fluid saturation, geostatistics and mineral deposits. These components are combined to create geological models that teach, assist in procedures and as accurate as possible.

The rock type is determined within the cell type of the 3D geological model. Silt and sand are only two of the types of rock, and substances which can be defined within the cell. Through this process, several methods are used to define these spaces.

Structural framework will define irregularities within the geological space, such as: erosion, faulting or folding. Through the process of integrating framework, boundaries are defined within the spaces which are located within the rock, because even rocks are porous nature of the stone.

Reservoir quality defines any spaces within the rock structure in which liquid will change how the 3D structure will be defined when introduced to liquid. Certain rocks contain different levels of porosity, or how liquid will be contained within the cells. Using 3D geological models enables these levels to be adjusted for specific types of rock.

Geostatics and mineral deposits are both techniques that are used to place certain aspects of the models in the correct places.

Specific software programs are used to create these geological models. These geological 3D modeling software programs have the capability to digitize, edit, and even complete concise calculations. Surveyors and geologists are only two of the career choices that have to become adept with the applications in order to perform daily tasks required on and off job sites throughout the nation.

What are Texture Maps?

A texture map is used to create a unique surface upon the exterior of a 3D models. It could be compared to wrapping a box, or using other forms of paper, and material to completely cover the exterior of that box. Texture mapping allows not colors, but textures to be applied to the surface of 3D models. Texture mapping is one of the premier ways to add detail to a surface of a 3D model that has been computer generated.
On any given model, there can be multiple textures incorporated into each model. This process is referred to as “multitexturing”. When one or more surface is applied to the 3D model, such as a model of the earth that uses water, as well as terrain, more data is used within the model. When multiple textures are used on the surface, rendering processes can be slowed because of the excess amounts of data that requires conversion.

The two most common types of mapping are light mapping, and bump mapping. Light mapping refers to the process of lighting the surface in one step, rather than lighting each cell throughout the rendering process. Bump mapping refers to the process of adding texture to each area, giving the illusions of concrete surfaces found within light, such as sidewalks and beaches.

Most 3D model programs incorporate methods to achieve quick results of texture mapping. Rather than mapping one pixel at a time, modelers are able to create complex surfaces with a few keystrokes.

Texture mapping is an important part of 3D modeling, as it incorporates the surfaces of everyday items and creates a genuine nature in each of the 3D models. Texture mapping incorporates the lighting, texture and color to create these surfaces of different heights, therefore creating the appearance of the complex surfaces such as cement, or bark on the trees. Without texture mapping, we would have flat surfaces on all of the 3D models that we have become familiar with.

What is Cloth Modeling?

Cloth modeling is a form of 3D modeling that allows computer graphics programs to create the appearance of clothing on 3D models, or fabrics within the programs. It is a crucial part in creating organic items such as clothing for 3D models created to appear human, or items within the home, or within the interior of a vehicle.

How is the appearance of cloth created within the 3D models? There are various types of mesh that will create the appearance of cloth. The main three types of meshes that are used to create the appearance of cloth are: geometrical methods, physical methods and particle/energy methods.

The appearance of cloth can be created through the use of geometrical methods, which are adequate in using curved lines to create the appearance of the texture of cloth. One of the primitive methods, using geometry to create cloth works well on cloth items that require single framing, which gives the object structure.

Physical methods of cloth modeling use a grid of particles which are linked together through springs. Tension, stiffness and weight are the three combined aspects to create the cloth appearance. There are three terms which are included in this technique: s terms, b terms and g terms. S terms will define the elasticity of the object, b terms will define the blending of the object, and g terms will define the gravity of the item. Aspects such as stiffening of the fabric, or stretching, and shearing of the fabric can all be defined through tweaking the certain ratios.

Energy and particle methods are used to create the illusion of cloth in complex structures by using energy rather than springs to connect the cloth. One of the main benefits of creating cloth through energy and particle is the prediction of how the cloth will react in any given circumstances.

Using these techniques, modelers are able to create valid, lifelike models that can be attributed to creating cloth that appears silken, wooly or even the traditional cotton.