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	This map, built atop a satellite photograph of the dam and spillway of Canyon Lake near San Antonio, illustrates how information can be gathered from multiple databases and overlaid to produce a single, composite visual document.

Geoscience expertise in structural geology, volcanism, seismology, hydrology, geomorphology, geophysics, general geology and physical geography is offered at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI). These disciplines require extensive use of maps and other spatial and analytical data. During the past few years, SwRI has developed several web-based geographical data and information sharing systems based on the Olympus Data and Information Sharing Systems (Olympus DISS^®), such as the marsDISS and MADISS.

These prototype systems allow access to a variety of Earth and planetary (Mars) data via metadata records. The systems uses established data standards and allows for the output of geographic data in multiple formats.

Geographic Information Systems

The geographic information systems (GIS) developed at SwRI support integration of geographically referenced data from multiple sources and disciplines. These systems allow conceptual development and process-level models integration based on robust analyses at different space and time scales. An example of such a system is the GIS for the Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) development and regulatory decision making.

GIS is also an essential tool in performing geophysical surveys to characterize subsurface geological environments. SwRI has expertise in performing a variety of noninvasive measurements such as surface-based electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic, gravity, and ground-penetrating radar measurements.

Although many of these systems were built for Earth-related applications, we have expanded their use to planetary sciences.

Global Positioning Systems

State-of-art global positioning systems (GPS) equipment is routinely used in geophysical and hydrologic projects. SwRI has a number of outstanding Trimble^® and Novatel^® GPS products for field applications and office data management. Some of these products are incorporated in SwRI systems such as the all-terrain biking geomagnetic system (ATBGMS), which increases the speed and efficiency of geomagnetic mapping.

Visualization and Modeling

SwRI uses a variety of techniques to display Earth geographic information. Software, such as EarthVision^®, Surfer^®, or Petrel^®, provide 3D capabilities to construct realistic maps and models in two and three dimensions.

This is an oblique view of the Helotes, Texas, geologic framework model. Coordinates are UTM meters, NAD 27. View direction is NE. Illumination from SW. Yellow points show well locations.

Using these models, we analyze geometries and relationships of features in the Earth's surface and subsurface, and examine the spatial distribution of properties. For more information, please see Geoscience Services for the Oil and Gas Industry and 3DStress^®.

For more information about Earth and planetary geomatics and geo-spatial data management and mapping capabilities at SwRI or how you can contract with SwRI, please contact Marius Necsoiu, Ph.D., PMP at mnecsoiu@swri.org or  (210) 522-5541.

| Department of Earth, Material and Planetary Sciences | Geosciences and Engineering Division | SwRI Home |

Southwest Research Institute® (SwRI®), headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, is a multidisciplinary, independent, nonprofit, applied engineering and physical sciences research and development organization with 11 technical divisions.

October 03, 2008