Open Access Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington
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VolcanoVR: The visualization of geological data in a 3D virtual reality environment as a multipurpose research, monitoring and outreach tool

thesis
posted on 2022-09-11, 08:07 authored by Hansen, Kristian

With the increasing size and variety of geological datasets, visualisation can be challenging. Here, we demonstrate the possibilities of volcanic data visualisation utilising virtual reality (VR) and 3D game engine technology to create a robust and adaptable program (called VolcanoVR) to display complex datasets for the purposes of volcano monitoring, education/outreach and research. VolcanoVR was developed using Unity 3D and the C# programming language with application to the Taupo Volcanic Zone (TVZ), New Zealand. VolcanoVR allows for the visualisation of volcanic data such as earthquakes and field station measurements (e.g. gas chemistry, GPS, lake levelling sites) along with a topographic map with various overlays including the surface geology. Its effectiveness was evaluated through a user survey. A total of 33 participants were surveyed, returning overall positive qualitative and quantitative feedback. Immersion scores averaged at 4.09 (σ = 0.78) out of 5 and System Usability Scale (SUS) scores averaged at 72.93 (σ = 14.05) out of 100. Substantial qualitative feedback was also given by the participants which suggests fixes/new features to help guide the future development of VolcanoVR. VolcanoVR is designed to complement current monitoring and research efforts by the Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences (GNS) and provides research and outreach opportunities for the TVZ and beyond. Overall, the program has been shown to be effective for improving complex data visualisation for the purpose of volcanic monitoring and research and could help to close the communication barrier between different specialists, and between researchers and students for education purposes.

History

Copyright Date

2022-09-11

Date of Award

2022-09-11

Publisher

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

Rights License

CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

Degree Discipline

Geology

Degree Grantor

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

Degree Level

Masters

Degree Name

Master of Science

ANZSRC Socio-Economic Outcome code

280107 Expanding knowledge in the earth sciences; 280115 Expanding knowledge in the information and computing sciences

ANZSRC Type Of Activity code

4 Experimental research

Victoria University of Wellington Item Type

Awarded Research Masters Thesis

Language

en_NZ

Victoria University of Wellington School

School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences

Advisors

Barker, Simon; Illsley-Kemp, Finnigan; Anslow, Craig