High-End
Visualization in Geoscience and Training
Czernuszenko, Marek K.1 (1)
ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company,
For the past decade the usage of high-end
visualization systems at ExxonMobil and other companies has grown
significantly. These systems span a wide range of configurations starting with
a basic workroom system to curved screens and totally immersive multi-wall
displays. These systems use a variety of projection solutions, computer
hardware and software.
The immersive systems are driven by a
UNIX supercomputer or by a PC graphics cluster. Custom software solutions are
often needed to support head and wand tracking. The user wears passive or
active stereo glasses to experience the data in 3D.
These visualization systems open the
possibility of virtual field trips for geoscientists.
The participants experience 3D models of
outcrops captured with LIDAR scans and digital photography. Students are able
to “fly” quickly to a desirable location, which might be difficult, dangerous
or costly to access in real world. Additional data like interpretation,
geologic model, well logs and simulation results can also be integrated to aid
learning. These immersive visualization systems also allow participants to view
digital elevation models, walk through virtual facility or look at subsurface
data.
AAPG Search and Discover Article #90063©2007 AAPG Annual Convention, Long Beach, California