Lebel, D., Vuitton, R., Masse, L., Deblonde, C., Kirkwood, D., Marcil, J., Vallé, M., Da Roza, R. and Malo, M. 2001.   Integration of photogrammetric data in the construction of a 3-D geological model in a thrust-fold belt, Moose Mountain, Alberta, Canada. In: (Ed.) Laurent Aillères, and Tim Rawling, Animations in Geology, Journal of the Virtual Explorer, Electronic Edition, ISSN 1441-8142, volume 4, paper 6, doi:10.3809/jvirtex.2001.00033

Integration of photogrammetric data in the construction of a 3-D geological model in a thrust-fold belt, Moose Mountain, Alberta, Canada

D. Lebel

Geological Survey of Canada, Quebec Geoscience Centre, C.P. 7500, Québec, QC, G1V 4C7, Canada

R. Vuitton

INRS-Géoresources, Quebec Geoscience Centre, C.P. 7500, Québec, Québec, QC, G1V 4C7, Canada

New address : Geodata System, 683 rue Saint-Joseph Est (2è étage), Québec, QC, G1K 4C1, Canada

L. Masse

INRS-Géoresources, Quebec Geoscience Centre, C.P. 7500, Québec, Québec, QC, G1V 4C7, Canada

C. Deblonde

Geological Survey of Canada, Quebec Geoscience Centre, C.P. 7500, Québec, QC, G1V 4C7, Canada

D. Kirkwood

Département de géologie et génie géologique, Université Laval, Sainte-Foy, QC, G1K 7P4, Canada

J. S. Marcil

Département de géologie et génie géologique, Université Laval, Sainte-Foy, QC, G1K 7P4, Canada

M.A. Vallé

INRS-Géoresources, Quebec Geoscience Centre, C.P. 7500, Québec, Québec, QC, G1V 4C7, Canada

Sial Geosciences Inc. 5610, chemin Bois-Franc, St-Laurent, QC, H4S 1A9, Canada

R. Da Roza

Geological Survey of Canada, 3303 33rd Street NW, Calgary, AB, T2L 2A7, Canada

M. Malo

INRS-Géoresources, Quebec Geoscience Centre, C.P. 7500, Québec, Québec, QC, G1V 4C7, Canada

Abstract

Through computer animations, we outline a prospective 3-D model construction method that builds on a 2.5-D geological mapping and data extraction technique based on vertical and oblique photogrammetry. We use an example from the Canadian Rocky Mountain thrust and fold belt, to demonstrate the method applicability in high relief areas. Photogrammetry-derived 2.5-D geological boundaries are more representative of geological elements than conventional 2-D maps and can be extrapolated to serial cross-sections to form the basis for 3-D model surface and volume constructions. The 3-D surfaces respect the constraints imposed by structural orientation data and the trace of key geologic planes such as folded stratigraphic contacts and faults.

Keywords: digital photogrammetry, close-range photogrammetry, aerial imagery, geological mapping, geological modelling, 3-D visualization, Rocky Mountain Foothills, Alberta.