2D to 3D geologic mapping transformation using virtual globes and flight simulators and their applications in the analysis of geodiversity in natural areas

Abstract

This work describes the transformation process from 2D cartography to 3D, simply by overlapping images in common formats (jpeg, bmp, tiff, png, etc.) on Google Earth’s virtual globe. Arribes del Duero Natural Park, located west of the province of Salamanca, Spain, was the object of this part of the study. Other natural areas are also discussed and were used to establish a procedure for mapping geodiversity and for identifying areas of geological uniqueness and naturalness within the natural areas. To do this, different parametric indices were used to empirically generate different degrees of geological diversity in the Quilamas Natural Area, located south of Salamanca, Spain. Intermediate parametric maps were processed using two types of GIS technical: graphical (neighbourhood operations) and alphanumeric (calculated from the fields in the attribute table). Intermediate parametric maps were processed using two types of technical GIS: neighbourhood operations (graphics) and alphanumeric (calculated from the fields in the attribute table). These maps were used to establish areas with the greatest concentration of geological diversity elements and to define areas with a greater need for protection when planning the management of human activities in natural areas. Finally, the flight simulator tool, which was implemented in the free virtual globe and controlled using a keyboard or joystick, allows you to “fly” through the projected geological mapping of Arribes Del Duero Natural Park or view the parametric mapping and geodiversity in the newly created Quilamas Natural Area. Interoperability with the Google Maps application allows you to identify and observe the outcrops of the various geological materials in natural or anthropic terrain cuts.