Effective and Efficient Workflows

This chapter looks at organizations or research groups who are in the process of setting up a 3-D modeling project or are reviewing the effectiveness of an existing 3-D modeling program. A generic geologic modeling workflow clarifies the major computational steps that occur and major iterations that can take place within a single modeling project. Six operational considerations can be used to help ensure success of geologic modeling projects. They include: identifying and prioritizing user requirements; defining mapping objectives; and evaluating the likely geologic complexity within the model domain. They also include: determining availability of, and management options for, existing data; estimating how much new data will be collected; and evaluating availability and expertise of personnel. Most modeling software has evolved to accommodate multiple modeling methods and a wide range of geologic scenarios. The chapter summarizes the experiences of four organizations-one university and three geological survey organizations-that provide examples of workflow solutions to issues.