Scanning the Deepest Accessible Lava Chamber on Earth

The Thrihnukagigur volcano in Iceland is one of Earth's most remarkable geological wonders. Formed approximately 4,500 years ago, its bottom layers date back around 30,000 to 40,000 years. What sets this volcano apart is its unique accessibility; visitors can descend into its nearly 200-meter-deep, open vertical volcanic conduit, a rare opportunity to explore the internal structure of a volcano.

Capturing the Heart of the Volcano

As part of a research project in collaboration with the Italian association La Venta Esplorazioni Geografiche, VIGEA undertook a groundbreaking 3D scanning of the volcano. Using handheld laser scanning techniques to capture the intricate details of the cave’s interior and drone photogrammetry to map the exterior, VIGEA has produced a comprehensive dataset that showcases the volcano in an unprecedented way.

Presenting the Data with NUBIGON

Once the laser-scanned and drone-captured data were processed, NUBIGON’s powerful rendering capabilities were employed to bring the project to life. The joint visualization of interior and exterior data in NUBIGON allowed for a seamless integration of the captured scans, revealing the full extent of the volcanic structure above and below ground.

NUBIGON’s x-ray display mode effectively presented the intricate relationship between the exterior topography and the internal cave network, enhancing spatial understanding of this complex underground space.

Rendering elevation-based color gradients helped convey the scale and depth of the volcanic conduit. These rich visualization options gave researchers and viewers new insights into the volcanic formation, highlighting differences in height, depth, and geological features across the site.

Benefits of 3D Visualization for Research and Tourism

Using NUBIGON to animate the point cloud data, VIGEA has provided a visually rich and scientifically valuable representation of the Thrihnukagigur volcano. The 3D visualization not only aids geological research but also enhances the experience for those unable to visit the site in person. The combination of laser scanning and drone photogrammetry, visualized in NUBIGON, offers a stunning portrayal of one of Earth's most unique volcanic structures, improving understanding of its exterior landscape and interior cave system.

Through advanced 3D scanning technology and NUBIGON’s rendering capabilities, the Thrihnukagigur volcano can now be easily explored —providing an immersive and educational experience that bridges the gap between science, exploration, and visual storytelling.