Virtual Outcrop

We constantly work on embedding as much as possible, the results from digital outcrop models (DOM) and remote sensing into our structural interpretations.

See some of our models at the bottom of this page, or even more HERE.

Digital Outcrop Model of a salt pillar in the Ocnele Mari salt Mine, Romania.

Most of the data for building our 3D outcrops are acquired with UAVs (uncrewed aerial vehicles) carrying payloads like full-frame 45 MP cameras, thermal or LiDAR sensors. Our UAVs range from pocket size drone (i.e. DJI Mavic Air), thermal camera drone (DJI Mavic 2 Enterprise Dual) to our larger drone (DJI Matrice 300 RTK) capable of carrying various payloads like full-frame cameras, LiDAR sensors, etc.

The 3D virtual outcrops are built using various software platforms, like Agisoft Metashape Professional or DJI Terra which use Structure from Motion photogrammetry to reconstruct three-dimensional objects from two-dimensional datasets (terrestrial and aerial photography). For the processing of the LiDAR data, we use DJI Terra.

Using the Virtual Reality feature of VRGS together with the Oculus Rift S VR googles to discuss the structural and depositional features of an digital outcrop model.

The resulting 3D models are used to extract and analyse data in various software (i.e. Google Earth, Matlab, FracPaq, CloudCompare, Lime, etc.), but most of our interpretations are performed in VRGS (Virtual Reality Geological Studio). VRGS not only offers us the opportunity to easily extract structural data, but also to view and discuss the models in a VR (Virtual Reality) environment.

DOM publications

  • Tămaș, A., Holdsworth, R, Underhill, J.R., Tămaș, D.M., Dempsey, E., McCarthy, D., McCaffrey, K.J.W. and Selby, D., 2022, Correlating deformation events onshore and offshore in superimposed rift basins: The Lossiemouth Fault Zone, Inner Moray Firth Basin, Scotland. Basin Research, 1-27. https://doi.org/10.1144/jgs2021-066
  • Tămaș, D.M., Tămaș, A., Barabasch, J., Rowan, M.G., Schleder, Z., Krézsek, C. and Urai, J.L., 2021, Low-angle shear within the exposed Mânzălești diapir, Romania: Salt decapitation in the Eastern Carpathians fold-and-thrust belt. Tectonics, 40, e2021TC006850. https://doi.org/10.1029/2021TC006850

Chevron folds in turbidites – Barsana, Romania by Structural Modelling Group on Sketchfab

Folding of anhydrite-rich salt layer Dej-Romania by Structural Modelling Group on Sketchfab

Sand Injectite outcrop – Teleajen River, Romania by Structural Modelling Group on Sketchfab

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