T41 Digital Geology Sandpit I (Digital Posters)

Sunday, 19 October 2014
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Exhibition Hall C

USING PHOTOGRAMMETRY, GIGAPANS AND GOOGLE EARTH TO BUILD VIRTUAL OUTCROPS FOR GEOLOGIC RESEARCH AND EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH

Paper number: T41-2
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Authors

Abstract

New photogrammetry software suites like Agisoft Photoscan are able to generate precise virtual three-dimensional (3D) outcrop models for geologic research and educational purposes. The easy-to-use software works from non-oriented photos taken from different positions and uses pixel matching from overlapping photo pairs to build a 3D model. Constructed 3D outcrop models can be geo-referenced using ground control points and combined with physical outcrop data to enhance visualization of spatial relationships. Virtual outcrops can then be easily shared for research or educational outreach using Google Earth. This type of virtual outcrop model can be used to aid in geologic research and provide students with a geologic field experience from a classroom far away.

We present a demonstration of several applications of virtual outcrop model made with 3D photogrammetry combined with gigapixel imagery (e.g., GigaPans) and Google Earth. This type of technology is useful in a broad range of geoscience disciplines including structural geology, sedimentology and stratigraphy and engineering geology. These models will be combined with map overlays and other geologic resources and made available to the public as part of the Google Earth for On-site and Distance Education initiative (GEODE, DUE 1323419).