A metaverse-based visual analysis approach for 3D reservoir models

Abstract Creating three-dimensional (3D) geological models is important for advancing our understanding and visualization of geological structures and phenomena. This helps in formulating geological decisions, planning geological operations, and optimizing the development and management of geological resources. However, traditional computer-aided 3D geological visualization is inadequate regarding human-computer interaction and limited in its ability to represent dynamically evolving geological processes. The emergence of digital twin and metaverse technology has the potential to facilitate dynamic and process-oriented visualization of 3D geological models. We present a metaverse-based approach to the dynamic 3D characterization of geological models and processes. A set of time-series 3D geological grid models which reflect numerical simulation results are mapped and managed in the metaverse, and a simplification strategy for 3D grid models is also developed. By switching properties in the simplified 3D model in the metaverse, we form the framework for dynamically representing geological processes. The effectiveness of this approach is demonstrated by using a reservoir model; the simplification strategy reduces the reservoir model to 6.67% of its original size and lowers interaction latency to within 30 ms. This work provides a novel solution for the comprehensive application of metaverse technology in subsurface space development and geological resource exploration.