THE CLIENT

Environmental 3D data models are utilized by professionals, such as geologists, environmental engineers, geochemists, geophysicists, and data scientists who are looking to tackle challenges in the geosciences.

THE CHALLENGE

Projects can range in scope from a corner gas station with leaking underground fuel tanks, to a geophysics survey of a large earthen dam, to the modelling of salt domes and sinkholes, to the monitoring of contaminated sites. Each site will present its own unique and complex challenges depending on environmental, technical, and logistical conditions.

OUTCOME

A powerful, data-driven model that visually articulates intricate natural situations and enables engineering teams to solve increasingly complex problems, manage risk, and make the most informed decisions for their site challenges.

ROLE

Immersive Design Solutions Lead / 3D Visualization Specialist

During the initial research phase, I compiled, organized and analyzed all analytic data. This data would be in the form of soil and/or water samples collected at the site, open source geospatial data, historical information, aerial photography, and digital elevation maps.

My intention for the research phase was to understand the state of the project team’s data management, uncover the needs of the project team, and determine the best way in which to visually express the subsurface conditions and site-specific challenges.

SECONDARY RESEARCH

First, I conducted an in-depth review the client’s analytical data in order to ensure no data was missing, that units were consistent throughout the various datasets, identify any anomalies or erroneous data, diagnose any potential issues that may arise prior to the construction of the model.

Secondary research to also included examining previous reports and documentation to further familiarize myself with the site and its history.

PRIMARY RESEARCH - kick-off sessions

Understanding the needs of the project team is just as crucial for the successful execution of a model as the data from which it is built. By identifying the overall purpose of the model as well as the manner that it will be used I am able to determine the best format for the final product as well as which areas require the most focus and attention.

Research Goals:

Once all the purpose of the modelling efforts have been established, it was time to define the solution. I considered the overall project goals, any existing constraints, such as timelines or budget, and technical considerations, to find a solution that best fits the narrative and scope of the job.

Teams may need a variety of features modelled; features such as the geologic and/or hydrogeologic conditions, analytic results to determine the extent of contamination, man-made structures or a combination of these elements.

Each of these will come with a unique set of questions that will need to be answered.

GEOLOGY

CHEMISTRY

Now that I had organized and assessed all relevant data, identified the goals, and determined the best practises for developing the model, I needed to decide what geostatistical analysis methodology was most appropriate and which product features were necessary for the interactive prototype.

LOW-FIDELITY DRAFT

I began the process of modelling with low resolution variations of both the geology and chemistry. This decreases the required processing time and allows me to review the output right away. During this process, I examine how the data is being honoured and how the resolution and interpolation settings will need to be adjusted in order to produce the most realistic representation of the site conditions. 

Interaction Design

Once the draft model has been formatted and refined, it is ready for output. The models are exported to an interactive viewer called the 4DIM Player. It is an interactive click-through slideshow of model snapshots that each tell a specific part of the site story. This interactive tool then allows the user to zoom in/out, scroll, pan and manipulate the model as desired.

Before starting the export process, I would first write a script that would effectively walk the user through the model, beginning with a general overview and ultimately focusing on the primary area of interest. This ensured that the snapshots were organized in a way that is intuitive and logical to the user.

feedback sessions

Once the 4DIM has been created, feedback sessions would be held with the project team. These meetings would help identify any areas of confusion within the model or scripting. Recommendations would typically involve changes to colours or the addition of 3D structures like buildings, underground storage tanks, pipes or sheet pile walls.

final product

After the feedback sessions had been conducted, and all stakeholders had decided on the final iterations and revisions to move forward with, I would regenerate a high-fidelity version of the model with increased resolution and any requested edits.

I would also have the option to export the model to a variety of formats. The 4DIM Player is the most frequently used output as each frame can represent different content and/or views, providing the model creator the greatest scientific and artistic freedom in the publishing process.  

They are far faster and more feature-rich than 3DPDFs or web-based models. 4DIMs also accommodate time domain data and large models much better than any other alternative.

However, depending on the needs, the 3DPDFs, web-based models, AR/VR animations, movies, 2D figures, or even text files and volume/mass calculations may be more fitting.

Thinking Outside of the Box

Over a decade of working with 3d data models and various teams, all with so many different needs has taught me how to develop solutions that truly push the capabilities of our modelling software, as well as how to quickly find alternative routes to meet the client's needs.

Frequently I had to rethink my initial approach in order to work with the data provided or the technical limitations of the software or project manager’s equipment. The constant push to troubleshoot software errors and solve difficult and unique problems was a great initiation into UX Design and how to manage and satisfy unique user needs and work within strict constraints.

SUMMARY

The task was to design a conceptual 3D visualization package as part of a presentation to the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), with the purpose of demonstrating that our client was not a contributor to the localized VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) contamination. As the lead 3D Visualization Specialist on the project, I worked with the project team on all elements, meeting weekly, and conducting conference calls and webinars when necessary to keep the project on track.

SOLUTION

Collaborate with members of our Hydrogeologic Evaluation group in order to determine a methodology that could accurately predict the historical position of the contaminant plume, then develop a series of models that illustrated the team’s ‘historical up-gradient release’ hypothesis. This presentation would provide a visual representation of the site and its subsurface environment in order to be easily understood by both technical and non-technical individuals.

REQUIREMENT GATHERING

In order to construct a detailed 3D image of the site and its subsurface environment, it was required to organize and process existing lithographic and groundwater chemistry data; the site and surrounding area included 34 sample locations.

Coordinates and elevation data was required for each location. As there is no way to precisely pinpoint the elevation from which a groundwater chemistry sample was obtained, so the screen midpoint was used as the sample location.

Geologic boring logs were reviewed and soil materials were categorized as having low, medium, or high permeability.

Data was provided in many formats and from many sources and needed to be organized, formatted, and processed. This also included confirming all analytical units, coordinate system information and elevation datums were consistent and identifying any potential issues within the various data sets.

Pain Points

Design Solutions

A hydrogeologic model was created, categorizing the soils by permeability, as it was the most effective way in which to visually display potential migration routes of contaminants through the environment.

The process of back-calculating a contaminant release point that was expected to be used, also proved to be inappropriate and a new approach needed to be determined. Consulting with several engineers and scientists within our Hydrogeologic Evaluation group, the best way in which to do this was by using a modification of the BioScreen Natural Attenuation Decision Support System.

This screening model simulates remediation through natural attenuation. It is typically used to determine how long a plume will persist until natural attenuation processes cause it to dissipate, and how far will the dissolved contaminant plume would extend if no engineering controls or reduction measures are implemented.

By using current analytical data and a reversed BioScreen methodology, we were able to create a conceptual visualization that was based on solid data collected at the site. Being able to present the images of the plume migration over time, as well as the data and calculations to support the model was key to the success of the presentation.

Feedback Sessions & Iteration

Several conference calls and video presentations were conducted between the modelling team and project team members in order to create a model and presentation that most clearly communicated the scenario our client was trying to convey.

FINAL DESIGN

For the presentation, a series of 4D Interactive Models (4DIMs) were generated. 4DIMs have long been C Tech’s preeminent 3D publishing standard, and are made up of a series of frames that each present different content and/or views.

The final deliverable was a self-contained Interface package, from which models could be launched. A total of five 4DIMs were developed, highlighting the following aspects of the site:

WHAT WAS ACHIEVED

Following the project manager’s presentation of the models, the DTSC representatives dismissed their planned presentation and agreed with our conclusion that the localized VOC contamination was not the responsibility of our client. After his presentation, our project manager came back with the following comments:

Created interactive visuals that enabled the project team to effectively walk the EPA and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality through the proposed implementation of work. Achieving alignment on the approach between all groups, my firm was authorized to move forward for its 30% design.

Created comprehensive models that promoted a more efficient cleanup plan. The proposal won GHD years of engineering work and saved the client hundreds of thousands of dollars by remediating the site decades sooner than their existing system.

Responsible for constructing hydrogeologic models that helped the project team better understand the subsurface environment and implement the most effective remedial option for the stakeholders.