The Evolution of Field Geology

• Problem
  • Complicated outcrops are difficult to draw accurately
  • Some geologists can’t draw
  • Geology and the relationships we want to measure are 3-dimensional

Create / work with accurate 3D photorealistic (virtual) models of the world – take the world to the office

• Need:
  • Capture the real world digitally
  • Build a digital 3-D virtual models
  • Analyze the modeles
  • Develop technology to use these models
    • Research, engineering, education, etc

Photography (coaxially mounted cameras):

Data Acquisition Requirements:

• natural and man made targets
• from the ground
• at oblique angles
• at close range (meters to km)
• mm to cm detail
• globally referenced
• photorealistic

Field Equipment:

Methodology:

Research:

We have built and analyed 3D photorealistic models at more than twenty locations.

• Inaccessible Areas (Gull, Ireland)
• Dangerous Environments (Railway Cut, Plano, Texas)
• Non Geosciences Applications (Mockingbird Tunnel, Dallas, Texas)

Important: 3D Stereo Technology for Visualization

• Capability of veiwing and working in stereo is important.
• Methods
  • on left: CAVES (Cave Automatic Visualization
    Environment system)- expensive, complicated
  • on right: GeoWall- inexpensive, simple
  • Active stereo glasses – moderate expense but single use only