The CoreWall; Visualization Technology for Core Interpretation and Site Selection

The CoreWall project addresses the pressing need for the integration of all data associated with the interpretation of geologic cores. The ongoing effort is two-fold: first, a suite of hardware and software is being developed to give users full access to all associated data on a tiled display that can show entire sections of the core, and second, a set of Web based applications will be developed to provide access to the same set of tools on a standard consumer grade computer via the Internet. The suite of software tools includes tools to display lithologic, geophysical, and geochemical information referenced to scans of the split core, tools to include typed and hand written notes and diagrams `pinned' to a specific core depth, and collaboration tools which allow technicians and scientists to discuss and interpret in real-time or in a non-linear fashion. All tools will be developed to access preexisting databases already in use by the coring community. Also included is software for the stereo visualization of topographic and bathymetric visualization of drilling sites. Global 30-meter resolution SRTM elevation data will be available for terrestrial sites as well as coarser bathymetric data augmented by high-resolution site surveys.