MAKING GEOLOGICAL FIELD WORK ACCESSIBLE WITH GOOGLE GLASS

Google Glass is currently in testing phase but is expected to become generally available in the not-too-distant future. Glass is a wearable computer built into a spectacle frame with I/O via a pico projector, camera, mic, and sound output. The wearer can view data in a window slightly above the direct line of sight and can issue voice instructions or browse data by tapping or swiping the side of the frame. The camera’s field of view can be transmitted to distance computers as still or video images and shared via social media.

There are clearly great opportunities to use Google Glass to allow persons with mobility restrictions to engage in authentic field research in collaboration with the wearer. In this presentation, one author will wear Google Glass at a field location and the other will project the imagery live at the conference. Audience members will be invited to try out Google Glass after the session.