3D geology in a 2D country: perspectives for geological surveying in the Netherlands

  • M.J. van der Meulen TNO Geological Survey of the Netherlands, P.O. Box 80015, 3508 TA Utrecht, the Netherlands
  • J.C. Doornenbal TNO Geological Survey of the Netherlands, P.O. Box 80015, 3508 TA Utrecht, the Netherlands
  • J.L. Gunnink TNO Geological Survey of the Netherlands, P.O. Box 80015, 3508 TA Utrecht, the Netherlands
  • J. Stafleu TNO Geological Survey of the Netherlands, P.O. Box 80015, 3508 TA Utrecht, the Netherlands
  • J. Schokker TNO Geological Survey of the Netherlands, P.O. Box 80015, 3508 TA Utrecht, the Netherlands
  • R.W. Vernes TNO Geological Survey of the Netherlands, P.O. Box 80015, 3508 TA Utrecht, the Netherlands
  • F.C. van Geer TNO Geological Survey of the Netherlands, P.O. Box 80015, 3508 TA Utrecht, the Netherlands; and Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80115, 3508 TC Utrecht, the Netherlands
  • S.F. van Gessel TNO Geological Survey of the Netherlands, P.O. Box 80015, 3508 TA Utrecht, the Netherlands
  • S. van Heteren TNO Geological Survey of the Netherlands, P.O. Box 80015, 3508 TA Utrecht, the Netherlands
  • R.J.W. van Leeuwen TNO Geological Survey of the Netherlands, P.O. Box 80015, 3508 TA Utrecht, the Netherlands
  • M.A.J. Bakker TNO Geological Survey of the Netherlands, P.O. Box 80015, 3508 TA Utrecht, the Netherlands
  • P.J.F. Bogaard TNO Geological Survey of the Netherlands, P.O. Box 80015, 3508 TA Utrecht, the Netherlands
  • F.S. Busschers TNO Geological Survey of the Netherlands, P.O. Box 80015, 3508 TA Utrecht, the Netherlands
  • J. Griffioen TNO Geological Survey of the Netherlands, P.O. Box 80015, 3508 TA Utrecht, the Netherlands; and Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80115, 3508 TC Utrecht, the Netherlands
  • S.H.L.L. Gruijters TNO Geological Survey of the Netherlands, P.O. Box 80015, 3508 TA Utrecht, the Netherlands
  • P. Kiden TNO Geological Survey of the Netherlands, P.O. Box 80015, 3508 TA Utrecht, the Netherlands
  • B.M. Schroot TNO Geological Survey of the Netherlands, P.O. Box 80015, 3508 TA Utrecht, the Netherlands
  • H.J. Simmelink TNO Geological Survey of the Netherlands, P.O. Box 80015, 3508 TA Utrecht, the Netherlands
  • W.O. van Berkel TNO Geological Survey of the Netherlands, P.O. Box 80015, 3508 TA Utrecht, the Netherlands
  • R.A.A. van der Krogt TNO Geological Survey of the Netherlands, P.O. Box 80015, 3508 TA Utrecht, the Netherlands
  • W.E. Westerhoff TNO Geological Survey of the Netherlands, P.O. Box 80015, 3508 TA Utrecht, the Netherlands
  • T.M. van Daalen TNO Geological Survey of the Netherlands, P.O. Box 80015, 3508 TA Utrecht, the Netherlands
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S0016774600000184
Keywords: Netherlands, applied geoscience, hydrogeology, geological surveying, mapping, geomodelling, geodatabase

Abstract

Over the last ten to twenty years, geological surveys all over the world have been entangled in a process of digitisation. Their paper archives, built over many decades, have largely been replaced by electronic databases. The systematic production of geological map sheets is being replaced by 3D subsurface modelling, the results of which are distributed electronically. In the Netherlands, this transition is both being accelerated and concluded by a new law that will govern management and utilisation of subsurface information. Under this law, the Geological Survey of the Netherlands has been commissioned to build a key register for the subsurface: a single national database for subsurface data and information, which Dutch government bodies are obliged to use when making policies or decisions that pertain to, or can be affected by the subsurface. This requires the Survey to rethink and redesign a substantial part of its operation: from data acquisition and interpretation to delivery. It has also helped shape our view on geological surveying in the future.

The key register, which is expected to start becoming operational in 2015, will contain vast quantities of subsurface data, as well as their interpretation into 3D models. The obligatory consultation of the register will raise user expectations of the reliability of all information it contains, and requires a strong focus on confidence issues. Building the necessary systems and meeting quality requirements is our biggest challenge in the upcoming years. The next step change will be towards building 4D models, which represent not only geological conditions in space, but also processes in time such as subsidence, anthropogenic effects, and those associated with global change.

Published
2014-03-25
How to Cite
van der Meulen M., Doornenbal J., Gunnink J., Stafleu J., Schokker J., Vernes R., van Geer F., van Gessel S., van Heteren S., van Leeuwen R., Bakker M., Bogaard P., Busschers F., Griffioen J., Gruijters S., Kiden P., Schroot B., Simmelink H., van Berkel W., van der Krogt R., Westerhoff W., & van Daalen T. (2014). 3D geology in a 2D country: perspectives for geological surveying in the Netherlands. Netherlands Journal of Geosciences, 217-241. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0016774600000184
Issue
Volume 92 - 2013
Section
Original Articles
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