3D map HOW-TO

It is simply a geologic map draped over a 3-dimensional rendering of a landscape. If you already have the geologic overlay and don't need to create it, all you need is software to manipulate images and a 3-D software program for your basemap (I use Bryce). 

Bryce 5: Bryce has evolved into a really good piece of software.  For what it does, $79 is quite reasonable.  I recommend this product regardless of ambition.  Additionally, according to S. J. Reynolds (more about Mr. Reynolds later) Bryce 3D should work.  Cost: $79.00 plus tax and shipping.

An image manipulation program is indispensable.  Adobe Photoshop is robust and powerful but something lesser will work as well.  Years ago, software packaged with scanners was good enough, but over the years many proprietors have scaled down scanner software to do the minimum amount, so this may not be true today.  I bet you can find something adequate for <$200.00.

An archiving tool is required to download basemap data from the internet.  I use Power Archiver 2003 but ZIP will probably work just as well.  Simply attempt to unzip the downloads to see if your decompression tool works with whatever archiving tool you have.  Cost: $25.00 plus tax.

Basemap software can vary greatly in price.  Although I bought Surfer 8 and Didger 3 for $865.00 plus tax, there are free products, like: Microdem.  This handy tool will do what you need but if you need to make your geologic overlay you will need something to manipulate the map you create.  This includes a digitizing tablet and supporting software (I chose Surfer and Didger out of necessity). 

To get your basemap (the 3-D map to overlay the 2-D geomap), go to http://seamless.usgs.gov/ to download 3-D topo maps.

A digitizing tablet is necessary if the 2D overlay (the geologic map) you will use is not already created.  If you do not have an electronic copy of the overlay in image format (.bmp, .jpg, .tiff, et cetera) you must find it somewhere or create it.  If you have a hardcopy of the geomap, use a scanner to create your overlay.

Dr. Stephen J. Reynolds has a good site  explaining how to retrieve DEM's and overlay your map onto it.  The methods therein are what I used for the surficial 3D image included on this page.