PHOTOGRAMMETRIC APPLICATIONS IN GEOSCIENCE TRAINING AND EDUCATION

Photogrammetric modeling and 3-D visualization, using stereo-photogrammetry and other methods, provide excellent tools for training, education and virtual field analysis of geologic features. Cybermapping (UTD LiDAR and photogrammetry for triangulated mesh surfaces), GNSS for geospatial referencing and stereophotogrammetry are employed to build these photo-realistic geologic models. Utilization of virtual field models provides a diverse array of applications for geoscience training and has been successfully deployed for use in undergraduate geoscience coursework. Often analysis requires extensive tools and can be taxing on the novice entry-level user. Using pre-developed models and interacting with devices to annotate observations, such as laptops and tablets, can provide a method of user-friendly 3-D virtual field analysis. These methods can be used in conjunction with ground-based LiDAR to build 3-D photo-realistic models for use in reservoir characterization and virtual field analysis. Comparison of these techniques are discussed and applied to the geoscience industry and academia using models developed by the University of Texas at Dallas and GHV Models, LLC. The value of photo-realistic virtual surface modeling is examined, along with the goals and problems encountered. Geologic examples include the southern Arbuckle Mountains in Oklahoma, Dinosaur Provincial Park in Canada, Southern Nevada and various other geologic locations.