An Automated Mapping Method of 3D Geological Cross-Sections Using 2D Geological Cross-Sections and a DEM

With the three-dimensional (3D) geological information system development, 3D geological cross-sections (GCs) have become the primary data for geological work and scientific research. Throughout past geological surveys or research works, a lot of two-dimensional (2D) geological cross-section maps have been accumulated, which struggle to meet the scientific research and application needs of 3D visual expression, 3D geological analysis, and many other aspects. Therefore, this paper proposes an automatic generation method for 3D GCs by increasing the dimensions based on a digital elevation model (DEM) and 2D geological cross-section maps. By matching corresponding nodes, generating topographic feature lines, constructing an affine transformation matrix, and inferring the elevation value of each geometric node on the GC, the 3D transformation of the 2D GCs is realized. In this study, fourteen 2D GCs within Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province, are transformed into 3D GCs using the proposed method. The transformed results and quantitative error show that: (1) the proposed method applies to both straight and bent GCs; (2) each transformed GC can fit seamlessly with the ground and maintain minimal geometric deformation, and the geometric shape is consistent with the original GC in non-mountains area. This paper corroborated the proposed method’s effectiveness by comparing it with the other two 3D transformation strategies. In addition, the transformed GCs can be subjected to 3D geological modeling and digital Earth presentation, achieving positive effects in both 3D application and representation.