The September 2006 Penrose Conference brings together researchers from a range of countries, academic institutions, and private sector organizations to focus on how 3D technologies are opening up new research opportunities. Applications of these technologies to three critical areas of the earth sciences will be discussed: spatial analysis and scaling properties of geological architectures and processes; quantification and visualization of uncertainty in geological data and interpretations; and calibration and validation of predictive Earth models. The event will include a one-day field trip and workshop, followed by three and a half days of oral and poster presentations and discussions.