3D Geophysical and Geological Modeling in Support of Development in NYNJ Harbor-PPT Presentation

PPT Presentation

Pdf Summary

The presentation describes how integrated 3D geophysical, geological, and geospatial models support infrastructure development and coastal resilience in New York and New Jersey Harbor.

Surveys combine data from mobile LiDAR, drone photogrammetry, multibeam and volumetric sonar, side-scan and sector-scanning sonar, seismic reflection, magnetics, electromagnetic methods, and ground-penetrating radar. Sediment cores, standard penetration tests, cone penetration tests, and environmental samples provide physical confirmation of geophysical interpretations.

The workflow begins by reviewing existing information and planning for anticipated site conditions. Teams then collect multisensor data, validate results through minimally invasive investigations, and process and integrate the findings into three-dimensional deliverables compatible with client design software.

Key applications include:
- <strong>Structural mapping:</strong> documenting above- and below-water conditions of piers, bridges, docks, pilings, and retaining walls; identifying damage; and supporting inspection, rehabilitation, and structural analysis.
- <strong>Utility location:</strong> mapping submerged or buried infrastructure and clearing locations for geotechnical borings or harbor deepening.
- <strong>Stratigraphic delineation:</strong> modeling sediment layers, material boundaries, top of rock, and potential construction obstructions.
- <strong>Bridge and coastal-resilience assessment:</strong> comparing site conditions and changes over time, including after major storms.

Compared with traditional surveys—which typically provide regularly spaced measurements, cross-sections, profiles, and 2D maps—reality-capture methods such as terrestrial mobile LiDAR can offer broader, denser, and faster coverage. Traditional outputs remain familiar and easy to interpret, but can be time-consuming, limited in coverage, and pose greater health and safety risks. Overall, integrated 3D modeling enables more comprehensive site understanding for design, construction, inspection, and resilience planning.

Keywords

integrated 3D modeling

geophysical surveys

geological models

geospatial models

coastal resilience

New York Harbor

New Jersey Harbor

mobile LiDAR

multibeam sonar

utility location