Concepts of 3D terrain modeling and geomorphometric analysis in mining

Abstract

This paper describes the concepts of 3D terrain models and their application in mining. The methods of terrain (relief) by spots elevation and contour lines are commonly applied on geodetic plans and topographic maps. Appearance of the technologies has changed the way of modeling and analysis of geospatial data, i.e., applying the concept of digital terrain models (DTM). This approach emphasizes the importance of geomorphometric analyses and monitoring changes on the field in time. Application of 3D geodata models in digital format (raster or vector) becomes increasingly used in mining. Therefore, it is important to describe the concepts and features of 3D geodata models and potential applications and monitoring changes in the field in time and space.