GeoCloud LARCOS - A web-based multi-user platform for building large geological models 

Managing big geological models is not easy. Often very fine and laborious models are created in a certain project. But by time, the model gets outdated and needs to be updated when new data are collected, and more geological and hydrogeological knowledge is obtained. This can be difficult due to many reasons, but one reason often met, is the difficulties bringing the original model and its data forth again. Furthermore, when intensive mapping is being conducted, its also very difficult for several modelers to cooperate on the same model, which slows down the modeling process. Combined with the GeoCloud Data Management System, very large datasets can be handled and visualized.

Problems like these have been central in the development of LARCOS.

LARCOS – Large Scale Geo Model Management and Collaboration System – is aimed at Authorities, Geological Surveys, States, Consultants, and other private companies and leads them to the next step, allowing multiple users to work on the same geological model simultaneously, and from different locations.

One or more geological models is stored as interpretation points and interpolated grids (layer surfaces) in the GeoCloud LARCOS. Users can uncheck/lock subareas in a model area, by drawing a region or using a shape file. A point database of the selected area is then generated and sent to the user, including grid files, if they exist in this area. When an area is checked out, other users cannot work in the same area. A buffer surrounding the unchecked area helps generating seamless boundaries between neighboring areas. When a user finish modeling in the unchecked area, it can be re-uploaded and integrated into LARCOS and the databases behind.

Administrators of the system controls the user access, can make quality assurance of the new or updated interpretations and accept model updates before these are released in LARCOS. New, updated grids are generated in the upload phase and made available for the users.

You don’t need an existing layered model to setup and use LARCOS. The system is also useful for organizations just started making geological modeling, where it, besides the data sharing and visualization opportunities, also will be possible to speed up the entire workflow by allowing several modelers to work on the same project at the same time.

LARCOS is a result of the close cooperation between I•GIS and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Denmark. LARCOS has reduced the number of hydrogeological public models in Denmark from several hundred to just one single model. LARCOS is constantly being developed and is an integrated part of our GeoCloud Data Management System.

Figure illustrating the LARCOS and GeoCloud Data Management System. LARCOS is also prepared for integration with other software and services by using API’s.

Figure example, showing a 100 km long profile section with terrain, wells and AEM-data.

Do you want to learn more? Please contact I•GIS at i-gis.@i-gis.dk