3D G.I.I.V.E : A COLLABORATIVE PROGRAM FOR DISSEMINATING AND TRAINING WITH 3D VIRTUAL GEOLOGY IN THE NORTH TEXAS REGION

3D GIIVE (3-Dimensional Geologic Interactive Information for Visualization in Education) is a collaboration among universities and colleges in the north Texas region. It will establish a collection of 3D virtually realistic models of geologic outcrops that will be linked to lessons developed for use in undergraduate geoscience courses in both universities and junior colleges. Collaboration between UTD and these schools will define the best outcrops to use for teaching and the participating schools will provide the associated geologic input and participate in the building of the associated digital information. New sites will be considered for modeling after consultation using terrestrial LIDAR, digital photography, GPS and close range photogrammetry. These models will be developed to serve in a variety of technological levels in order to allow for maximum usage by both instructors and students without the need for extensive software training. They can be applied to sites which are inaccessible due to cost or travel distance, including international sites. Virtual models are not intended to replace field geology but enrich teaching opportunities. Having access to a site multiple times virtually will give students more time to better understand geological concepts than allowed during a single field trip. An enriched teaching curriculum keeps students engaged and can translate into higher retention of learning and continued interest in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) field of study. The enrichment curriculum will be built directly in correlation with existing curriculum of undergraduate classrooms. The models are designed at this time to run using GIS software but simultaneously we are working on other non-GIS software approaches as well as video game technology with Arts and Technology Program at UTD to facilitate the design and better use of such 3D models. Ultimately models and tutorials are going to be tested for accessibility to students on site, and also via social networking sites like Facebook and YouTube to provide access to the models. The primary goal is to take geology out of the 2D world of the textbook and into the real 3D world with technology that will grip the learner, allowing geology to come alive before the eyes of the student.