A Duo-TIN fault data model for mine 3D GIS

Fault object is an important structural element in geology body. Constructing the independent fault data model has a significant sense for mine 3D GIS because the fundamental functionalities such as spatial analysis and query are relied on it. Based on the strata modeling method of expanded Generalized Tri-Prism(GTP), the independent fault model with duo-TIN structure, named duo-TIN fault model, is presented in this paper. The structural property of fault face and the geo-science meaning exist in fault object are concerned. Nine kinds of the composed elements and eleven kinds of the spatial topological relationships of fault model were established. The strategy to perform the spatial operation such as analysis and query were dwelled on. Since the data expression and the data storage for duo-TIN structured fault model are accorded with GTP's, the seamless coupling are made between strata and fault models and can be used efficiently to express and operate complex geological objects in mining 3D GIS.