USING PHOTOGRAMMETRY AND 3D MODELING TO REPLICATE AND ENHANCE GEOSCIENCE FIELD EXPERIENCES

Education within the geosciences is evolving. With a vast world of geology to study, some places are unobtainable, while others only need to be discovered. Photogrammetry is one option that makes this possible. Using photogrammetry within an educational and professional setting has shown to be beneficial for the geosciences. A great example of this was bringing the field to physically challenged viewers, who are unable to make it to specific geologic locations due to disability. Students will be able to see high-definition 3D pictures of outcrops with broad and fine-scale descriptions before fieldwork, and professionals are able to view a specific location without having to travel. This method of study helps visualize different geologic settings and structures in a 3D view for both the classroom and laboratory. Photogrammetry helps make the classroom more interactive, allowing hands-on technology and high quality models. This helped viewers to visualize exotic locations, and possibly begin preparation for future fieldwork. This project consisted of a DSLR camera connected to a Gigapan tripod stand to capture data to reproduce into a 3D model. The area of study was located in northern Alabama. The goal was to capture a range of photos of large and small geologic scale to compose into 3D models to upload into an online data base that was accessed by any interested viewers. This research will hopefully broaden the realm of accessible photogrammetry within both education and professional realms of geosciences, and assist with making new or unknown field areas more accessible.