Augmenting geological field mapping with real-time, 3-D digital outcrop scanning and modeling

Abstract Hand scanners are compact, lightweight, and capable of generating 3-D digital models. Although they do not compare to conventional methods (terrestrial laser scanning photogrammetry) in terms coverage, resolution, accuracy, offer increased mobility, speed, real-time processing capabilities the field. This study investigates use hand for real-time, outcrop modeling augment geological field mapping campaigns highlights advantages limitations. The utility incorporating as an additional tool augmenting is assessed based on 41 scans from Gould Lake area, which located 20 km north Kingston, Ontario, Canada. models gathered included two distinct metamorphic lithologies (marble quartzofeldspathic gneiss) measuring up 2.5 m high × 7 long with average surface area 18 m2. scan size would take less than 10 min capture, result ~18 million individual points per scan, provide a spatial resolution ~1 cm features. Throughout course investigation, main benefit capturing multiple was ability integrate this situ geospatial, geologic information across visualization scales. retention outcrop-scale geospatial shown enhance understanding multi-scale relationships.