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The Paterson 3D VRML model

Created 16/10/2025

Updated 16/10/2025

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Note: 3D VRML model is no longer supported The Paterson 3D VRML model of the Cottesloe Syncline region in the northwest Paterson Orogen was created using 3D GeoModeller. 3D GeoModeller is an emerging technology that constructs 3D volumetric models based on a range of geological information. The principal benefit of 3D GeoModeller is that it provides geoscientists with a rapid tool for testing multiple working hypotheses. The models were built by members of the Paterson Project, as well as model building specialists within Geoscience Australia as a two-fold exercise. The primary purpose was to test the capabilities of 3D GeoModeller, while the secondary purpose was to evaluate the project's understanding of the 3D geology of the study area. Two 3D models of the Cottesloe Syncline were constructed, the first one utilising geological observations only from the geological map, and the other including the outcrop observations as well as an interpreted solid geology of the area. The resultant Cottesloe Syncline models, including two dimensional maps and images, were exported from 3D GeoModeller and transformed into Virtual Reality Modelling Language (VRML), enabling a wide audience to view the model using readily available software. For more information on how the Paterson Project used 3D GeoModeller to construct the Cottesloe Syncline model, see Constructing geologically-constrained 3D models using 3D GeoModeller. Geographic extent The Paterson Orogen is located in Western Australia and is situated between the Pilbara Craton to the southwest and the Canning Basin to the northeast. The Cottesloe Syncline 3D model covers an area of 30 x 35 km and is situated in the northwest of the Paterson Orogen. Content The Paterson 3D model and associated data sets consist of: a scanned image of the central portion of the Broadhurst 1:100 000 geological map sheet; an image of the Digital Elevation Model; input geological observations from the geological map; additional observations based on an interpreted solid geology; 3D surfaces of the various geological units based on the geological observations; and 3D surfaces based on the geological observations and the interpreted solid geology. Software required Geoscience Australia's X3D and older VRML models require the free plugin BS Contact and work best with the web browser Internet Explorer version 6 or higher. Size Approximately 7.5MB Startup download is 69KB - the remaining datasets download when selected.

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Additional Info

Field Value
Title The Paterson 3D VRML model
Language eng
Licence Not Specified
Landing Page https://data.gov.au/data/en/dataset/66789e66-df0a-4fbe-a2f4-c13bb971411e
Contact Point
Geoscience Australia Data
clientservices@ga.gov.au
Reference Period 20/04/2018
Geospatial Coverage
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
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        121.8333,
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        122.6666,
        -22.4833
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        122.6666,
        -21.3333
      ],
      [
        121.8333,
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      ],
      [
        121.8333,
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      ]
    ]
  ],
  "type": "Polygon"
}
Data Portal Geoscience Australia

Data Source

This dataset was originally found on Geoscience Australia "The Paterson 3D VRML model". Please visit the source to access the original metadata of the dataset:
https://ecat.ga.gov.au/geonetwork/srv/eng/csw/dataset/the-paterson-3d-vrml-model1