COURSE OVERVIEW:

Digital Outcrop Modeling (DOM) has revolutionized the way geoscientists analyze surface exposures by providing a three-dimensional platform for sedimentological and structural interpretation. By utilizing high resolution imagery, geoscientists can now capture the geometry and spatial distribution of geological features that were previously inaccessible or too vast for traditional field mapping. This course focuses on the transition from physical field observation to the creation of precise digital twins that allow for quantitative analysis of reservoir analogs.

Drone photogrammetry serves as the primary data acquisition engine for modern outcrop studies, enabling the collection of overlapping photographs from multiple perspectives. The course covers the technical aspects of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) operations, including flight planning, overlap requirements, and the use of Ground Control Points (GCPs) to ensure geodetic accuracy. Participants will learn how the Structure from Motion (SfM) algorithm transforms two dimensional images into dense point clouds and textured meshes.

The application of these models extends far beyond simple visualization, as they provide critical data for reservoir modeling and subsurface prediction. By extracting orientations, dimensions, and spatial statistics from digital outcrops, geoscientists can build more realistic stochastic and deterministic models of the subsurface. This course provides the end to end workflow required to move from field planning to the integration of digital data into standard industry geological modeling software.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

After completion of this course, the participants will be able to:

• Identify the fundamental principles of photogrammetry and Structure from Motion (SfM).
• Evaluate the selection of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) for geological field surveys.
• Design effective flight missions to ensure optimal image overlap and resolution.
• Implement Ground Control Points (GCPs) using GPS for high precision georeferencing.
• Execute the full photogrammetric processing workflow to create dense point clouds.
• Construct textured 3D meshes and orthomosaics from aerial imagery.
• Interpret stratigraphic and structural features directly on 3D digital models.
• Measure fracture orientations and bedding planes with digital compass tools.
• Extract quantitative dimensions of sedimentary bodies for reservoir analog studies.
• Analyze the spatial distribution of facies within a digital outcrop framework.
• Troubleshoot common photogrammetric artifacts and errors in reconstruction.
• Export digital outcrop data into standard geological modeling and CAD software.
• Adhere to international safety and regulatory standards for drone operations.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

This course is intended for Exploration Geologists, Reservoir Geoscientists, Structural Geologists, and GIS Specialists who wish to enhance their field data collection and analysis through digital technologies and drone platforms.

TRAINING COURSE METHODOLOGY:

A highly interactive combination of lectures, discussion sessions, and case studies will be employed to maximise the transfer of information, knowledge, and experience. The course will be intensive, practical, and highly interactive. The sessions will start by raising the most relevant questions and motivating everybody to find the right answers. The attendants will also be encouraged to raise more of their questions and to share in developing the right answers using their analysis and experience. There will also be some indoor experiential activities to enhance the learning experience. Course material will be provided in PowerPoint, with necessary animations, learning videos, and general discussions.

The course participants shall be evaluated before, during, and at the end of the course.

COURSE CERTIFICATE:

National Consultant Centre for Training LLC (NCC) will issue an Attendance Certificate to all participants completing a minimum of 80% of the total attendance time requirement.