Geological Visualisation for Education, Research and Outreach
Channel: GeoscienceAustralia
Date: 2022-12-06

Geological features, ranging in scale from entire mountains to micro fossils, can now be effectively and economically captured as photo-realistic 3D digital objects. These 3D models can be integrated with other visualisation types, such as 360 degree imagery and gigapixel photography, to produce immersive virtual experiences that can also incorporate a wide range of convention geological information.

3D models provide geometrically-correct, oriented, representations of geological exposures or samples and can be used for virtual measurement of structural, stratigraphic or other features. This virtual analytical capability facilitates collection of geological data, particularly using airborne platforms, in locations where conventional geological measurements would not be possible.

Geological visualisations and virtual tours have obvious applications for geoscience education and public outreach but are also very effective methods to collate and present diverse research outcomes in an intuitive spatial context.

Michael Roach has been teaching geophysics and geology at the University of Tasmania for over 30 years. In the last decade he has pioneered the applications of geological visualisation for Earth Science education and outreach. Michael created the AusGeol Virtual Library of Australia’s Geology (www.ausgeol.org) which is the world’s largest repository of virtual geological objects.