ISGS - November 2004 Activity Highlights
November 2004 Activity Highlights
3-D Model Created by Earth Science Data Viewer
New software, currently called Earth Science Data Viewer (ED-Viewer), is being developed to allow users to interactively explore geological maps, models, and data sets and to create high-quality images for use in publications and presentations. The software can display most of the data types currently used for geologic mapping at the ISGS, including maps, image files, 3-D geologic models, well logs, and cross sections. The software is being developed to run under the Microsoft Windows family of operating systems and will be packaged for easy distribution and installation. The software and the user interface have been designed so that both technical and non-technical users can quickly learn how to navigate through their data. A beta version of ED-Viewer is planned for internal testing by limited ISGS staff in early December; release of a stable version is expected sometime in May 2005.
The initial version of ED-Viewer will allow for traditional visualizations of geologic data, but will include innovations. In particular, the software allows users to cut a 3-D model into pieces while turning individual pieces and model layers on and off within the view (called "dissecting"). Enhancements to the features available using a dissected model are planned for later releases and will allow users to easily create more customized views of their data that highlight specific features.
One of the initial reasons for creating this software was to provide ISGS map users with a useful visualization tool without licensing expensive or complex third-party software. Preliminary discussions regarding distribution options and the potential for commercial licensing have recently been held with representatives from the University's Office of Technology Management. (Contact: D. Keefer)
Illinois to Join Federal Coastal Zone Management Program
On November 4, 2004, Governor Rod Blagojevich announced that Illinois would join the Coastal Zone Management Program administered through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Illinois is the last of the 35 eligible coastline states to join the program. The ISGS expert on coastal processes is one of the members of the state's planning team that will work with NOAA representatives to establish the framework for Illinois' Coastal Zone Management program. The program will bring federal matching funds to support research, management, service, and outreach activities for Illinois' coastal communities. At least some of those funds may be available to support research activities carried out by the ISGS. (Contact: M. Chrzastowski)
Work Begins for New DOE-Funded Research Project on Oil Exploration
The members of the Illinois Basin Consortium (the Illinois, Indiana and Kentucky Geological Surveys) recently were awarded a three-year research contract by the U.S. Department of Energy to identify new oil and gas exploration and development opportunities in the Illinois Basin. The project is focusing on gathering and analyzing all of the available data on the older, more deeply buried rocks of the basin (the lower Paleozoic rocks) that have, as yet, been little exploited by the oil and gas industry. The data will be compiled into "play" portfolios that will be made available to producers and the public through the ISGS Web site. (Contact: B. Seyler)
ISGS Assists State Planning for Earthquake Emergency
An ISGS expert met November 10 in Springfield with Illinois Emergency Management Association's (IEMA) new Earthquake Program Manager to review the ISGS's role in assisting IEMA and other state agencies in providing scientifically valid earthquake information for use in earthquake emergency exercises. The ISGS also is working with the U.S. Geological Survey to aid in establishing a 24/7 rapid earthquake information link with the IEMA communications center. The officials also discussed the possibility of the ISGS co-locating a clearinghouse to organize and disperse the technical information on earthquake-related features (ground-fractures, sand blows, landslides, etc.) and structural damage gathered by visiting researchers following an earthquake. (Contact: R. Bauer)
ISGS Will Map Kendall County's Aquifers and Aggregate Resources
The ISGS, in cooperation with the Illinois State Water Survey, has been asked by Kendall County officials to submit a formal proposal to develop maps and three-dimensional models of the aquifers in the near-surface glacial deposits in the county. County officials gave tentative approval for the project during a meeting with ISGS scientists held November 3, 2004. During the meeting, county planning officials also asked the ISGS to submit a proposal to carry out additional mapping to help the county plan for future development in the vicinity of mineable aggregate resources. (Contacts: D. Keefer, R. Berg)
Updated 08/08/2012 SLD