AROutcrop: an augmented reality mobile application for teaching geology in the field

Authors

Zachary Wilkerson, DePauw University
M. Scott Wilkerson, DePauw UniversityFollow
Chad Byers, DePauw UniversityFollow

Files

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

Fall 10-2-2019

Abstract

Augmented reality (AR) provides an immersive environment where computer-generated textural and/or graphical information overlay natural features in real-time. Such computer-generated objects/data have the potential to supplement or “augment” reality in ways that enhance geoscience comprehension in the field. For example, when instructors stand at a distance from an outcrop and explain the features present, students sometimes struggle to recognize the subtle rock textures and fabrics that define the stratigraphic units and structures present, instead seeing only an amorphous mass of rock. AR technology might allow students to use their own mobile devices to better recognize, interpret, and comprehend the geology around them. We created an AR app (AROutcrop) for Android mobile devices to evaluate the advantages/disadvantages of using AR approaches to teach geology in the field. Specifically, AROutcrop accesses the device’s picture library to auto-recognize outcrops from photos and overlay various AR objects (2-D interpretations and 3-D models) in the real-time view within the device’s camera environment. Students can use their mobile device to interact with various AR objects by: 1) clicking on AR objects to open a window with text, graphics, and data describing the geology of each feature, 2) collecting a “rock sample” from the outcrop by placing an AR 3-D photogrammetry model of an actual rock specimen from the outcrop on the ground where students can walk around the AR “sample” and magnify it for more in-depth study, and 3) overlaying and georeferencing (e.g., resizing, translating, rotating, etc.) a 2-D AR geologic interpretative image over the entire outcrop to highlight specific features and/or rock layers. Preliminary trials of AROutcrop at a nearby quarry suggest that this novel approach has the potential to not only improve student learning and comprehension, but also to encourage students to engage in critical-thinking processes, to make careful observations while in the field, and to become better consumers of scientific knowledge.

Funding and Acknowledgements

Funding: ITAP

Recommended Citation

Wilkerson, Zachary, M. Scott Wilkerson and Chad byers. AROutcrop: an augmented reality mobile application for teaching geology in the field." Poster presented at the DePauw University Science Research Fellows Poster Session, Greencastly, IN, September 2019.