Geological Cross-Section Software: From Borehole Data to a Section

From Observations to a Drawing

Geological cross-section software places boreholes and interpreted boundaries along a selected route. JeoKesit Section provides a browser-based workspace for distances, collar elevations, lithology and layer depths, with a live preview and PDF/PNG exports. Drawing a section does not validate its geological interpretation.

1. Define the Route

Choose a named route such as A–A′ and check its relationship to the building and boreholes. A route defined in JeoKesit Map can be transferred to Section; verify the resulting distances and order against the source plan.

Include both end intervals. In a synthetic example, start–BH-1 is 8 m, BH-1–BH-2 is 22 m, BH-2–BH-3 is 26 m and BH-3–end is 8 m. The route is 64 m long, and borehole stations are 8, 30 and 56 m. Do not confuse interval distances with cumulative stations or sloping ground distances with horizontal distances. Explain how any off-line boreholes are projected.

2. Separate Elevation from Depth

For a vertical borehole, boundary elevation equals collar elevation minus boundary depth. A collar at +114.20 m and a boundary at 7.50 m depth give an elevation of +106.70 m. Layer thickness is the difference between consecutive boundary depths, not the boundary depth itself.

Use a common elevation datum, keep boundary depths increasing and check the final boundary against borehole depth. Do not present invented values as measurements.

3. Review Correlations

Use consistent lithology names, colours and legend symbols. Similar colours do not prove continuity. BGS discusses the difficulty of distinguishing a local lens from a laterally extensive deposit using a borehole alone; automatically drawn connections therefore require geological review.

4. Add Engineering Context

Check which units the foundation level intersects. Consider groundwater readings together with their observation dates. Geophysical values supplement the section but do not, by themselves, constitute bearing-capacity or settlement calculations.

5. Check Scale and Export

Review horizontal and vertical scales separately. Vertical exaggeration changes the display, not the recorded depths, and can change apparent slopes. USGS describes this distinction in its ModelMuse documentation.

Use Save and confirm completion before exporting. Open the PDF or PNG and inspect headings, directions, scales, borehole labels and the legend at the intended report size. Project-specific technical requirements and professional review remain necessary.