The Three-Point Problem, Vector Analysis and Extension to the N-Point Problem

Abstract

The three-point problem is well-known in structural geology and hydrogeology. The solution of this problem is used to find the strike and dip of a planar geologic surface using three measurements of point positions located on the surface. I revisit the three-point problem using a vector analysis approach and expand to the n-point problem in which more than three measurements that include measurement error can be used to find one representative solution with a least-squares approach. The work is motivated by a hydrogeologic field example which I discuss briefly.