3D Geological Modelling and Management System

A three-dimensional (3-D) geological model has been established for Hong Kong using existing borehole data in order to facilitate detailed site investigations for future engineering projects. This study aims to digitalise ground investigation data in Hong Kong, develop easy-to-use tools for 3-D borehole management and visualisation, and eventually establish 3-D geological models for Hong Kong. The modelling capabilities include geological data retrieval and processing, geological cross-section creation, fence diagrams and 3-D model construction. With approximate 90,000 boreholes processed, 3-D virtual boreholes can be created and managed using ArcGIS Pro. Further, cross-sectional diagrams, fence diagrams and 3-D models can be created and presented. The 3-D geological model established shows the complexity of Hong Kong geological formation layers. Building a 3-D geological model based on machine learning or artificial intelligence is proved to be a feasible way to provide an accurate evaluation of soil layering. The interpreted cross-sections and constructed fence diagrams help engineers and geologists to better understand the complicated sub-surface profiles in a 3-D way, and provide estimates of the volumes of different types of soil locally. The 3-D model will become a design tool for future city and infrastructure planning and constructions.