GEOLOGY FROM ABOVE: UTILIZING DRONES AND PHOTOGRAMMETRY TO CONSTRUCT A VIRTUAL GEOLOGIC FIELD TRIP

Virtual geologic field trips are becoming an attractive option for many geoscience departments and the incorporation of drone imagery and Structure from Motion 3D modeling can allow for a more engaging virtual field experience. Geologic field trips are an excellent learning experience for geoscience students, however, there are often issues associated with student absences and accessibility. At Sonoma State University our introductory field course (GEOL 102) contains a one-day field trip to explore basic geologic principles along Sonoma County’s coast in California. The students are introduced to five field locations that include units and features such as: The Franciscan Complex, the San Andreas Fault, the Salinian terrane, the Wilson Grove Formation and the Sonoma Volcanics. At the five locations the students explore concepts related to structural geology, paleontology and the formation of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. These concepts are often difficult to convey in a virtual format, so we utilize Unoccupied Aerial Systems (UAS) and Structure from Motion 3D models to allow the virtual experience to become more immersive.

Through the adoption of React and Express frameworks, we have developed a website that stands out for its complete responsiveness and user-friendly interface. This inclusive platform serves both students and non-students, providing them with the ability to access information, view images, explore 3D models, play videos, and take quizzes centered around important geologic concepts at each of the field locations.

By combining the accessibility of virtual technology with the rather spectacular local geology, this virtual field trip seeks to bridge the gap between traditional fieldwork limitations and the desire for exploration and knowledge in the field of geology. Our goal is that the virtual field trip participants will leave the trip with a sense of awe for Sonoma County’s geological wonders and help them develop a deeper understanding of the geologic processes present in our backyard. In the future, we hope to build on this introductory field trip to design virtual field trips for all of the core field courses offered in our curriculum.