106 37th Annual Undergraduate Research Exhibition Sponsored by Sigma Gamma Epsilon (Posters)

All students are encouraged to submit research to this poster session. Investigations from ANY geological subdiscipline are welcome. Presenters who are SGE members are eligible to compete for monetary awards distributed at the meeting.

Monday, 20 October 2025
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
HBGCC, Hall 1

Bringing Deltas to Life: 3D-Printed LiDAR Models to Enhance Geospatial Thinking in Geoscience Education

Paper number: 106-55
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 8:00 AM – 8:00 AM

Authors

Abstract

Geospatial thinking and problem-solving skills are critical for geoscience education. We present a workflow to transform LiDAR elevation data into colorized 3D models that can be 3D printed on consumer-grade printers. Our workflow requires free software (QGIS, Blender, Bambu Studio) to develop and colorize models and access to fused depositional model (FDM) 3D printing capabilities.

To demonstrate this workflow, we employ topobathymetric data from the Mississippi River, Danube River, and Brahmaputra River deltas. The resulting models allow students the hands-on opportunity to explore the differences between river-, wave- and tidal-dominated deltas.

Our demonstration will include physical models and a live-stream of a 3D topographic model printing remotely during the poster session.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 57, No. 6

doi: 10.1130/abs/2025AM-414505

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