3D representation of geological observations in underground mine workings of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin

Abstract

The purpose of the paper is to present the possibilities of the three-dimensional representation of geological strata in underground (access) workings in a hard coal deposit in the SW part of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin, using CAD software and its flagship program AutoCAD. The 3D visualization of the results of underground workings’ mapping is presented and illustrated on two opening out workings (descending galleries). The criteria for choosing these workings were based on their length and the complexity of geological settings observed while they were driven. The described method may be applied in spatial visualization of geological structures observed in other deposits, mines and existing workings (it is not applicable for designing mine workings), also beyond the area of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin (USCB). The method presented describes the problem of the visualization of underground mine workings in a typical geological aspect, considering (aimed at) detailed visualization of geological settings revealed on the side walls of workings cutting the deposit. Keywords: Upper silesian coal basin, Hard coal, Underground mine workings, 3D visualization, CAD