Abstract: The present invention comprises a system and methods for the conversion of time-recorded seismic data, or images made from them after conversion of time to depth, into data structures that can be imported into and used in a three-dimensional geographic information system. The system and methods are robust with respect to the forms in which the seismic data is input into the invention. The system is general in that it is applicable to cross-sectional data other than those derived in seismic surveys and requires very non-restrictive definitions of cross-sectional planes, their orientations and datums with respect to the volumes they intersect.

Abstract: Methods, and models therefrom, to construct a 3-D polygonal model of a 3-D irregular volume within a GIS platform that include introducing data relating to the volume; estimating at least one 2-D polygon representing the volume's lateral boundary, estimating irregular surfaces representing the volume's top and bottom; clipping the estimated surfaces with the estimated 2-D polygon; constructing multipatches of a network of triangular panels or a grid of regularly spaced polylineZs; and joining the attributes to the model.

Abstract: Methods, and models therefrom, to construct a 3-D polygonal model of a 3-D irregular volume within a GIS platform that include introducing data relating to the volume; estimating at least one 2-D polygon representing the volume's lateral boundary, estimating irregular surfaces representing the volume's top and bottom; clipping the estimated surfaces with the estimated 2-D polygon; constructing multipatches of a network of triangular panels or a grid of regularly spaced polylineZs; and joining the attributes to the model.

Abstract: Methods, and models therefrom, to construct a 3-D polygonal model of a 3-D irregular volume within a GIS platform that include introducing data relating to the volume; estimating at least one 2-D polygon representing the volume's lateral boundary, estimating irregular surfaces representing the volume's top and bottom; clipping the estimated surfaces with the estimated 2-D polygon; constructing multipatches of a network of triangular panels or a grid of regularly spaced polylineZs; and joining the attributes to the model.

Abstract: A method to construct a solid three-dimensional polygonal model of a three-dimensional irregular volume within a GIS platform comprising of: (1) introducing desired data including control points and attributes relating to the three-dimensional irregular volume into the GIS platform; (2) estimating at least one two-dimensional polygon representing a lateral boundary of the three-dimensional irregular volume based upon values of variable of interest at the control points; (3) estimating irregular surfaces representing top and bottom of the three-dimensional irregular volume by interpolating grids of depth values from the control points for the top and bottom surfaces of the three-dimensional irregular volume; (4) clipping the estimated irregular surfaces with the estimated at least one two-dimensional boundary polygon; (5) constructing multipatches of a network of triangular panels representing top surface, bottom surface, and sides of the three-dimensional irregular volume to produce a solid three-dimensional