3D Digital Joint Trace Mapping on Rock Mass 3D Model

Rock mass joint trace mapping is a technique used in rock engineering to document the orientation and characteristics of discontinuities in a rock mass. The collected data from joint trace mapping can be used to plot detailed diagrams that illustrate the distribution and characteristics of joints within a specific rock mass. Traditional manual mapping of rock mass joint traces involves systematic field observation and measurement of joint orientations, lengths, infilling, and the other relevant attributes. On the other hand, the process of digital joints’ traces mapping involves tracking joints on a digital 3D model to create a three-dimensional coordinate points for each trace. 3D coordinate points are used to reconstruct the poly-line of detected traces in three-dimensional space.