PHOTOGRAMMETRIC 3D MODELING OF BARVA VOLCANO’S SOUTHEASTERN PARASITIC CONES FOR GEOSCIENCE EDUCATION

Barva Volcano, located near the capital city of Costa Rica, San José, contains several highly vegetated and understudied parasitic cones. Consequently, many locals are unaware of the potential hazards posed by these volcanic features. Due to the additional landslide hazards at these features, a full geologic, hazard assessment, and community engagement plan is warranted. In a collaboration between Rutgers University and the University of Costa Rica, a pilot study was conducted in order to test the effectiveness of utilizing low-cost equipment to extract as much information as possible. Utilizing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) based photogrammetry surveys conducted on six of the parasitic cones, a workflow was established to process orthoimages to form high-definition digital surface models (DSMs). These DSMs were then cleaned and converted into 3D printable models that serve as both printable tactile teaching aids as well as digital references for virtual field trips for use in geoscience courses. This adaptive workflow can be applied to a variety of geological features to bring the field into the classroom when travel is not an option or as easy to make visuals while conducting outreach in the field.