THE DE LA SALLE University and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology have developed a centralized database system for 3D visualization and analysis of surface and subsurface information.

The 3D Philippines Information System is a web-based application that provides researchers a centralized database system for storing, accessing and facilitating hazards and risk assessment of surface and subsurface information.

The DLSU and PHIVOLCS collaborated with the Department of Public Works and Highways for the project.

The system complements GeoRiskPH in the management and analysis of scientific data to aid research, planning and disaster risk reduction initiatives.

“One of the aims of 3D Philippines is to incorporate borehole information in the GeoRiskPH Platform so that researchers can see subsurface information and consequently determine subsurface conditions for geotechnical designs,” PHIVOLCS officer-in-charge Dr. Teresito Bacolcol said.

“With the borehole information integrated into the system, we get a three-dimensional view and this would be very useful to our engineers,” he added.

Mabelline Cahulogan, PHIVOLCS Supervising Science Research Specialist and 3D Philippines program leader, said they wanted the project to have an environment for researchers, planners and engineers to collaborate in a 3D facility.

“Hopefully, in the future we would be able to have a system where users can maneuver objects in a virtual reality environment,” Cahulogan said.

For the public, 3D visualization will be made available through the HazardHunterPH and the GeoAnalyticsPH platforms.