Case Study: University of South Florida achieves rapid, comprehensive 3D sinkhole modeling and shareable visualizations with 3D Systems' Geomagic Wrap

University of South Florida researchers use Geomagic Wrap to obtain comprehensive view of sinkhole survey data

3D Systems’ Geomagic Wrap supported a University of South Florida research team responding to a rapidly forming 260-foot sinkhole in Pasco County, FL. The challenge was to quickly capture and integrate diverse, time-sensitive data—drone imagery, LiDAR, terrestrial 3D scans, ground-penetrating radar and GPS—into a single comprehensive 3D representation to guide emergency response and study sinkhole behavior.

By using Geomagic Wrap to fuse these multiple data types, the team created high-resolution surface and subsurface models that were shared via USF Libraries and Sketchfab as interactive and 3D-printable assets. The unified models accelerated officials’ decision-making, improved monitoring and research of sinkhole dynamics, raised public awareness, and introduced new digital-preservation tools for the university.

University of South Florida

Lori Collins

Research Associate Professors