Analytical Modelling of Geological Structures with Digital Terrain Surfaces, Three-Variable Functions, Level Surfaces, Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) and Compute Unified Device Architecture (CUDA)

Read full text
Authors: Jesús Mateo-Lázaro, Jorge Castillo‐Mateo, Javier Sanchez-Navarro, Alejandro García-Gil, R. Martínez-Cebolla
Cited by: 0

Abstract

Here we present a tried-and-tested application that allows for the construction of geological structure models based on piecewise three-variable functions and their associated level surfaces. Once the master equations have been adjusted, their intersection with specific surfaces can be obtained. This is therefore an analytical approach. Surfaces that intersect analytical geological structures can be analytical, also defined by equations, or non-analytic, such as those defined by a mesh or data grid, such as the digitally defined terrain surface. All of this can be done very quickly using Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), specifically with the Compute Unified Device Architecture (CUDA). This proposal has applications in multiple fields such as geological research, mining, geotechnics, the environment, and others interested in building three-dimensional geological models.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Geological Modeling and Analysis Computer Graphics and Visualization Techniques Geodetic Measurements and Engineering Structures

Publication details

Journal / source
European Geologist
Publication date
12 March 2026
Language
EN