Fostering geological thinking through virtual strike and dip measurements

Natalie Bursztyn, Hannah Riegel, Pejman Sajjadi, Bart Masters, Jiayan Zhao, Jiawei Huang, Mahda M. Bagher, Jan Oliver Wallgrun, Alexander Klippel

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

Fast-tracked by need for field trip alternatives during the Covid-19 pandemic, the Strike and Dip (SaD) tool uses structure from motion 3D models of rocks in a virtual environment to facilitate teaching students how to measure the orientation of rock faces, necessary for the completion of geologic maps. Spatial reasoning is a difficult skill to master for geology students, although a significant component of their studies involves visualising 3D structures from 2D representations, in particular, maps. More time and experience is necessary for students to practice their spatial reasoning skills, but this is a logistical challenge. The SaD tool provides an interface that resolves these logistics of practice time and field site access. Geology is often first characterised as a field science, but recent and increasing efforts to make a more inclusive environment have shown a demand to establish a comprehensive alternative to fieldwork/trips. The SaD tool is malleable, and while providing an inclusive way to teach core components, it is also capable of an array of field experiences for almost every sub-field within the geosciences. In this pilot study, introductory geoscience students were assigned a geologic mapping lab using the SaD tool. Results overall were positive in regard to the usefulness of the tool and provide us with three main directions for next steps in research and development.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProceedings - 2021 IEEE Conference on Virtual Reality and 3D User Interfaces Abstracts and Workshops, VRW 2021
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages303-308
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)9780738113678
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2021
Event2021 IEEE Conference on Virtual Reality and 3D User Interfaces Abstracts and Workshops, VRW 2021 - Virtual, Lisbon, Portugal
Duration: Mar 27 2021Apr 3 2021

Publication series

NameProceedings - 2021 IEEE Conference on Virtual Reality and 3D User Interfaces Abstracts and Workshops, VRW 2021

Conference

Conference2021 IEEE Conference on Virtual Reality and 3D User Interfaces Abstracts and Workshops, VRW 2021
Country/TerritoryPortugal
CityVirtual, Lisbon
Period3/27/214/3/21

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Human-Computer Interaction
  • Media Technology
  • Modeling and Simulation

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