3D representation technology is a fast developing field, made possible by progress in computing and reflected by the gaming and video industries. Notably, 3D-printing provides a cost-effective and tactile way to illustrate research concepts, while Augmented Reality (AR) or Virtual Reality (VR) allow to grasp complex processes and geometries using common smartphones or handheld devices. Using these technologies, 3-dimensional objects and datasets are developed that are well suited for outreach, teaching and wider public engagement.

The design of 3D models of the Earth on different scales based on photogrammetry, mapping and imagery, modelling and inverse modelling is a challenging task. Before 3D data sets (physically real or virtual) can be explored in outreach activities or teaching settings, several steps have to be taken which all come with their own issues: how to export data into the objects formats used in the 3D engineering community; how to feed objects into software to allow 3D-printing; how to manipulate virtual objects easily using handheld devices.

We welcome contributions that are focused on technical aspects of real or virtual realisations, as well as their use in pedagogy, outreach or public communication of Earth Sciences research topics.