Abstract:After a comprehensive review on the exploitation of information technology in geotechnical engineering and underground engineering,a concept of digital underground space and engineering(DUSE) is proposed. The objectives of DUSE are strategically targeted to provide a way to obtain and organize information about underground space and engineering as follows:(1) a framework in which to publish information;(2) a set of standards about data;(2) new software and services to process useful information out of these data;and (4) new visualization tools to display all relevant information. Then,a theoretical framework of DUSE,which describes the system architecture of DUSE from the viewpoint of engineering,information,services and software system,are put forward. Thus,a taxonomy of all the data in the system is defined. Modeling of 3D space geometrical objects is divided into three categories,which are geological modeling,pipeline modeling and underground structure modeling. Accordingly,the modeling methods of each category are discussed;and spatial query tools and spatial analysis methods are examined. Some basic principles that should be followed in the process of employing visualization and virtual reality technology are also given. Finally,a case study of Shanghai Yangtze River tunnel project is provided. Research results show that DUSE is an innovative new information platform for the whole cycle life of underground space and engineering. DUSE is also a digital museum of the underground space and engineering. By employing the concept,the method and the techniques provided in DUSE,a more realistic and transparent underground space and engineering could be built;huge amount of data could be easily managed and effectively visualized. Therefore,useful information of these data can be processed,improving working efficiency and promoting the implementation of intelligent decision about the engineering project. In addition,some research topics that need to be further addressed are also discussed.