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DELTARES, JANUARY 2014
We have detailed maps showing structures at the ground level; but few towns have a clear picture of
what is going on below the surface, even though that is actually quite important. A proper picture of
the subsurface can be used to ensure that surface construction work does not damage cables and other
mains systems. It can also help to plan subsurface activities more efficiently.
Technology is currently being developed to merge information about the ground level and the
subsurface into a single three-dimensional digital map. The city of Rotterdam is involved in the project.
BY MATTHIJS SCHAAP
Why is Rotterdam involved in the development of technology
to merge information about the surface and subsurface
in a single three-dimensional map?
There is a lot of building activity in the city. In particular, the departure of many industries has resulted in all sorts of new
construction opportunities in the middle of, or extending, existing buildings and infrastructure. The digital map will provide
access to information about the subsurface infrastructure and allow project developers to build up a picture of the subsurface
history of specific locations. This information can then be taken into account when planning new infrastructure. It has also
been found that digging equipment is increasingly inflicting damage on cables and other mains systems. That is an expensive
business. With the digital map, the subsurface will no longer be a black box for contractors working in the city.
Space at ground level in large cities is often scarce and so people are turning more and more to underground options. There
are new opportunities for the underground storage of water and waste, but technologies such as Aquifer Thermal Energy
Storage (ATES) and thermal energy are also leading to a more intensive of the subsurface at ever-increasing depths. Bringing
together the surface and subsurface in the digital map allows for the simple visualisation of all structures and the impact of any
interventions. In this way, the subsurface can be structured more efficiently.
Isn't the production of the map an enormous challenge?
Yes. Collecting all the data relating to surface construction projects and subsurface infrastructure and archaeology really is a
massive task. A lot of data are in the hands of commercial organisations who are not wildly enthusiastic about sharing their
information with others. This has led to the termination of some projects in the USA.
However, the situation in Rotterdam is different. Like many Dutch cities, the city of Rotterdam has collected the surface data
itself. In addition, the city also manages the subsurface data. Over the past 150 years, this information has been maintained
and it has already been transferred from paper to digital archives. So the challenge for Rotterdam is simply one of merging the
data. Cities that do not collect the surface and underground data themselves will face a bigger challenge and they will have to
work together with the business sector.
How does the three-dimensional map work?
The surface and underground data are merged in a three-dimensional digital map that the user can ‘fly’ around. A model
developed in the Netherlands by TNO can describe the impact of new buildings and infrastructure on groundwater, noise levels
and traffic intensity, link houses and drains to the sewage system, connect electricity to buildings, and much more.
In a simultaneous development, a serious game will be developed to train users to use the three-dimensional map. This game
will also raise awareness in subsequent generations of the importance of the subsurface.
Does a map of this kind require a major investment?
In Rotterdam, the investment is not as large as might have been expected. The Rotterdammap is part of a European project
and Europe is providing funding. But engineering firms also want to invest in the digital map so that they can also be involved
early in the planning process. That allows them to use the map to help project developers and other parties involved.
How can other cities benefit from this project,
and howmuch interest is there?
The project in Rotterdam is the first step on the road to developing new technology that will allow this type of digital map to be
used more widely. As well as the other European cities involved in the project, a number of cities in Asia and the Middle East are
also interested. They have supplied experts to work on the project.
For more information:
roelof.stuurman@deltares.nl