3D provides access to the subsurface

It is only by understanding the subsurface that we can continue to develop and manage our national roads, waterways and water bodies. The Subsurface Key Register Act (Wet basisregistratie ondergrond) requires administrative bodies to provide and use data relating to the subsurface. This makes all data relating to the subsurface in the Netherlands accessible through a central repository in the form of maps, graphs, models and tables. This foundation of consistent and reliable data is essential to effective policy and management particular where significant challenges such as the energy transition, climate adaptation, housing challenges and economic growth are concerned, which have a massive impact on the immediate environment, both above and below the ground.

At each stage of an infrastructure project, 3D data can provide key information about the subsurface and facilitate the decision-making process. 3D Subsurface integrates the available subsurface data from GeoTop and Regis, as well as data relating to groundwater wells, drillings and soundings, into a cloud environment. Integrating these various datasets and visualising them in 3D leads to valuable new insights, and the subsurface literally and figuratively becomes transparent, comprehensible and accessible.

3D Subsurface accurately captures the risk DNA of the dike, leading to superior solutions (in addition to saving time and money). By visualising data relating to the subsurface and top soil in 3D, you can literally look across the limits of various disciplines. This is valuable in particular at the start of large-scale infrastructure projects.

Digital design plans (BIM) and digital spatial information (GIS) relating to the living environment can be linked to the 3D subsurface models at a preliminary, exploratory stage. This is how designers, along with environmental managers, geo-technicians and other experts, adopt an integrated approach to the same issue, thereby revealing the interrelationships, as well as the opportunities and risks, among all stakeholders. This, in turn, can potentially contribute to superior designs, more efficient decision-making, and lower costs.

Working with 3D Subsurface does not require detailed knowledge of GIS. In addition to fast and easy visualisation, it is also easy to quickly add layers of maps. In some cases, the local situation calls for an even more accurate picture; in this case, you can enrich 3D Subsurface with your own data, both above and below ground. This might include data relating to water catchment areas, soil contamination or archaeological sites.