Development of a 3D geological model in the urban center of Oviedo (Asturias)

In relation to the research on urban geology in Asturias (NW Spain), this is the first layer-based three-dimensional model about the geological setting of Oviedo's urban centre. Its development is based on data on the subsoil provided by almost a thousand geo-referenced site investigation points, including more than 500 boreholes, covering an area of approximately 3 km(2). These data, stored in a geotechnical database, were managed through a Geographical Information System. After producing a Digital Elevation Model as an altitudinal reference, different raster surfaces were generated by using a deterministic interpolator and map algebra, representing the boundaries between the geological units. This allowed the reviewing and updating of the geological superficial mapping; investigating the geometry of the units, mainly their thicknesses, and deducting the traces of potential faults crossing the urban subsurface. All this has been integrated into a virtual 3D environment complemented through the recreation of different urban elements.