Space
Geologic Visualization
Geologists must – first and foremost – be able to visualize objects in three dimensions and be able to extend those visualizations through time. We use a large variety of techniques to communicate our insights to those who cannot visualize as we do. Geologists use graphic images and animations to cross the visualization barrier that many people face. Some examples follow:
The map above is a surface geology map of the conterminous United States. Colors are applied to the ages of the rocks at the surface.
Tens of thousands of hand-drawn maps like the one above were collated to form the US geologic map.
Geologic maps such as the one of Texas, where I live, contain more data per square inch than almost any other type of map known to man. Or women, for that matter…
Three-dimensional diagrams are more similar to how geologists “see” the earth.
