Stereographic Projection Techniques for Geologists and Civil Engineers

Generations of Earth Science students have struggled to visualize the three-dimensional geometry of geological horizons, fabrics, fractures and folds. The stereographic projection is an essential tool in the fields of structural geology and geotechnics, which allows three-dimensional orientation data to be represented and manipulated. Some existing texts include brief sections on the stereographic method, but do not provide students with an explanation of the underlying principles. This can lead to misuse of the techniques and results that are drastically incorrect. Stereographic Projection Techniques for Geologists and Civil Engineers has been designed to make the subject as accessible as possible. It gives a straightforward and simple introduction to the subject and, by means of examples, illustrations and exercises, encourages the student to visualize the problems in three dimensions. The subject is presented in easy-to-manage chapters consisting of pairs of pages, with a page of illustrations facing a page of explanatory text. Students of all levels will be able to work through the book and come away with a clear understanding of how to apply these vital techniques. This new edition contains additional material on geotechnical applications, improved illustrations and links to useful web resources and software. It will provide students of geology, rock mechanics, geotechnical and civil engineering with an indispensable guide to the analysis and interpretation of field orientation data.