12 th Esri India User Conference 2011 Page 1 of 7 VIRTUES OF 3D GIS IN MAPPING EARTH SURFACE & SUBSURFACE GEOLOGICAL SYSTEM / PROCESS Prof.C.J.KUMANAN 1 , Dr. J. SARAVANAVEL 2 , Dr. K. PALANIVEL 3 1 Professor & Head, Centre for Remote Sensing 2 & 3 Assistant Professors, Centre for Remote Sensing Bharathidasan University, Khajamalai Campus, Tiruchirappalli - 620 023, Tamilnadu, India Email: cersbard@yahoo.co.in Abstract: The Geomatics technology comprising of Remote Sensing, GIS, Digital Photogrammetry, GPS, etc. have enormous virtues and avenues in mapping and modeling the earth surface and subsurface geological process / system. In the various geomatics tools, the GIS has got advanced virtues not only in storing, manipulating and modeling huge amount of spatial and non spatial data leading to effective decision making but also has advanced credentials of creating 3D visualized images on surface and subsurface geological parameters which aids in precise mapping of natural resources, environmental systems, natural disasters, etc. The present paper briefly discuss the efficiency of such 3D visualization in terrain analysis, lineament / land stability mapping, visualization of basement structures, visualization of spatio-temporal variations of groundwater systems, concept of shaded relief mapping, wrapping of FCC satellite data over the DEM, etc. About the Author: Dr. C.J.Kumanan, Ph. D., Professor and Head of the Centre for Remote Sensing, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli specialized in the fields of Remote Sensing and GIS for Mineral and Water Resources, Structure and Tectonics, Geomorphology and Ecosystem, Natural Disasters and Decision Support System was associated with Geological Survey of India for over two decades and carried out intensive systematic geological mapping in divergent geological provinces in India and organized various training programmes at GSI Training Institute. Having a lot of involvement in both R&D programmes to the tune of 20 sponsored research projects as well as in innovative academic and extension programmes, he has authored 3 books and over 90 research papers in referred journals, edited volumes and conference proceedings. He has been active member of many International and national working groups / science councils. Considering his credentials, Bharathidasan University offered him various capacities both in the Academic, such as Co-ordinator of UGC Orientation Course for University Faculties as well in the Administration, such as Campus Director, etc. E mail ID: cjkcers@gmail.com Contact No: +91 – 431 2331667