New 3D research technologies and techniques are being used to study seismic activity and to investigate potential earthquake occurrence. From supercomputing to visualization to 3D apps on mobile devices, knowledge and distribution of informaiton about earthquake activity is growing. 3D and visualization are playing a key role in describing these phenomena and delivering services for earthquake prediction, management and decision.making.

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Collecting data is becoming easier with innovations in laser scanning, photogrammetry, remote sensing, automation and robotics all contributing toward data acquisition. Many data managers are tasked with structuring this information in ways that are useful and easy to access the information. A central question to the collection of spatial and aspatial data is the growing importance of risk and uncertainty, and how captured data, particularly 3D data, might help to de-risk and lead to greater certainty of processes and decisions. 

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3D Simulation and visualization are providing many benefits to the forest industry. These benefits are also extended to the forest and rural landscape and provide ecologists and governance personnel with unique opportunities for research, education and training. 

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Students around the globe are now able to examine rare species and historical artefacts using advanced 3D imaging applications. The Idaho Virtualization Laboratory is using 3D imaging to support science and education. Benefits include advancing research, improving collaboration, encouraging education and helping archivists to preserve historical collections. Digital shapes and features are laser scanned and processed with high accuracy, maintaining their characteristic forms. This work has led toward the development of new processes for working with historic artefacts.

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3D city models are becoming integral foundations for building and planning cities around the globe. The digital base underlying these models enables cities to become smarter and more intelligent. This supports urban planning, architecture, transportation, utilities, aviation, roads / highways and types of infrastructure investment. Beyond the basic 3D visual experience of these models, 2D static images can be created for use and 4D can also be supported through integration to enable change over time applications. IN practice, several kinds of technologies and data types are used to build 3D city models. 

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The Division of Highway and Railway Engineering, Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) promotes advances in computational and experimental science in order to develop new materials, tools and systems for improved mobility, transportation safety and infrastructure durability. The group works on analysis and performance-based design of roads and tracks, management as well as operation and maintenance of roads. KTH Royal Institute of Technology uses Avizo Fire to visualize and characterize the internal structure of civil engineering materials. 

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Laser scanning or Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) is now common place in the film and gaming industry for pre-visualisation of scenes, or in post-production, to help create stunning CGI and visual special effects (VFX). The speed and accuracy of laser scanning allows for environments, sets, objects, and people to be captured in 3D to a high level of detail and precision, in a matter of minutes.

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Once reserved for cutting edge engineering and creative industries, 3-D visualisation is finding new and innovative uses across a number of industrial sectors – helping train plant operators and staff in a safe and effective way. 3-D visualisation has already completely changed many industries from gaming to design to modelling. In many fields, it has become a standard tool. Here, Peter Richmond, EYESIM Product Manager, from Invensys Operations Management explains how it is changing the way process industries meet industry’s new needs of training staff.

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Precision Farming aims to increase production and financial return based upon more intensive and land, operations and input management. Innovations in agricultural precision farming technologies are contributing toward these gains significantly. Most farm producers can describe a learning curve filled with learning, awareness and knowledge gained over time as they have implemented a precision farming system. These are often wavy with ups and downs, but in general they are rising as producers become more comfortable and capable beginning down the precision farming path. Nevertheless, there are gaps between technology and successfully implementing such plans that need to be considered.

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MineSight is a comprehensive modeling and mine planning software platform, offering integrated solutions for mine exploration, geological modeling, scheduling and production. MineSight has been developed by Mintec, Inc., a company started in 1970 by the current chairman, Fred Banfield. It was the first company to introduce computers to help extract resources from open pit and underground mining operations. Mintec has been refining its programs and client interface for over four decades and now serves more than 5,000 users worldwide.

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3D virtual planning is improving the efficiency and quality experience for real estate developers. Brick Visual is a group of highly skilled professionals in the fields of technology, architecture and interior design, pioneering a new technology which allows developers and their clients to enter into real estate projects before the actual construction or reconstruction starts. Brick provides its clients with superb visualization packages for their property projects.

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- How unmanned aircraft systems, GIS and time-based 3D visualization will support spatial systems of the future -

Spatial systems have permeated the 21st century. From high-fidelity linear referencing systems that facilitate the planning of highways, to “checking in” with foursquare, spatial systems, whether we are fully aware of it or not, underpin our daily lives.

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