Digital Outcrop Models: Applications of Terrestrial Scanning Lidar Technology in Stratigraphic Modeling

TLDR

Laser ranging, especially terrestrial scanning lidar, delivers highly accurate, high‑rate capture of X, Y, Z, and intensity data for outcrop stratigraphic mapping. The study presents a workflow for creating rock‑based 3D Digital Outcrop Models (DOMs) driven by reproducibility and quantification. The workflow employs high‑resolution terrestrial lidar acquisition, processing, interpretation, and visualization, combined with complementary remote and direct sampling, to perform high‑precision facies characterization and construct 3D geological computer models. Laser‑generated 3D models provide an unprecedented quantitative visualization medium, enabling complex Earth modeling for reservoir analysis, flow simulation, and seismic property modeling.

Abstract

Abstract Laser ranging is extremely accurate and efficient. Terrestrial scanning lidar (light detection and ranging) applied to outcrop stratigraphic mapping enables researchers to capture laser range data at a rate of thousands of individual X, Y, Z and laser-intensity points per second. These data, in conjunction with complementary remotely and directly sampled data, are used to conduct high-precision facies characterization and to construct 3D geological computer models. Outcrop data are presented here to explain our workflow and to discuss the construction of rock-based 3D Digital Outcrop Models (DOMs). Reproducibility and quantification are the drivers of this methodology. High-resolution terrestrial lidar acquisition, processing, interpretation, and visualization are discussed and applied to mapping of geological surfaces in three dimensions. Laser-generated models offer scientists an unprecedented visualization medium in a quantitative 3D arena. Applications of this technology include constructing and visualizing complex 3D Earth models from outcrops for improved reservoir modeling, flow simulation in hydrocarbon and aquifer systems, and property modeling to constrain forward seismic modeling.