The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Tuesday, Nov. 15 led the unveiling of the 3D Philippines (3DPH) Information System—a centralized database system that can provide scientific information for research, planning, and disaster risk reduction initiatives.
“Today, we will be launching a new technology that aims to complement GeoRisk Philippines in the management and analysis of surface and borehole data in three-dimensional form,” Department of Science and Technology (DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. said during the launch of the 3D Philippines Information System.
“The 3DPH aims to give researchers from national government agencies, local government units, academe, and other sectors with a centralized web database system for storing, accessing, and facilitating hazards and risk assessment of surface and subsurface information,” Solidum said.
The DOST chief said the tool developed by Phivolcs, De La Salle University (DLSU), and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will enable governments to “connect various scientific information seamlessly.”
It will also “promote effectiveness and efficiency,” as it “can process various information and generate three-dimensional models for various customers.”
“We need to consider all factors on ground and below the ground. Through 3D models, we can visualize and analyze various elements on the surface and below so that we can properly mitigate potential hazards. For example, we can help the government proactively identify suitable locations for settlement, hospitals, or schools,” Solidum said.
Phivolcs said the 3D Philippines Information System is an output of the 3D Philippines Program.
“One of the aims of 3D Philippines is to incorporate borehole information in the GeoRiskPH Platform so that researchers can see subsurface information and consequently determine subsurface conditions for geotechnical designs. With the borehole information integrated into the system, we get a three-dimensional view and this would be very useful to our engineers,” Phivolcs OIC Dr. Teresito C. Bacolcol said.
“We would want to have an environment for researchers, planners, and engineers to collaborate with each other in a 3D facility. We have envisioned establishing this 3D facility here in Phivolcs. Hopefully, in the future we would be able to have a system where users can maneuver objects in a virtual reality environment,” said Phivolcs Supervising Science Research Specialist and 3D Philippines program leader, Mabelline T. Cahulogan.
Phivolcs said the 3D visualization is accessible through the HazardHunterPH and the GeoAnalyticsPH.
The platforms will also include the general location of boreholes, displayed at several zoom levels, to inform concerned stakeholders of the availability of borehole information.
Phivolcs assured that 3D Philippines strongly aligns with the government’s efforts towards digital transformation to streamline processes and mainstream hazards and risk assessments.