Collaborative Visualization of 3D Geological Models in Augmented Reality

Fully understanding a complex 3D geological model (such as triangulated irregular networks or boundary representations) requires a largely hands-on approach. The user needs direct access to the model and a way to manipulate it in 3D space, e.g. through rotation, to find the appropriate and most useful perspectives. Indirect means of presentation, e.g. via animation, can only give the user a vague idea of the model and all its details, especially with the growing amount of data incorporated. Additionally, discussing such a model with colleagues is often restricted by the space in front of the monitor of the system running the modeling software. And while the accessibility of such models has been improved, e.g. through access via ordinary web browsers, new technologies such as VR and AR could open up novel and improved ways for users to experience and share them.

Although VR has found its way into the mainstream, especially for entertainment, it continues to be a relatively inaccessible technology. The high upfront cost, the need to isolate oneself from the surrounding environment, and involved technical requirements detract from the end goal of improving the accessibility of 3D geological models. On the other hand, more and more common handheld devices such as smartphones and tablets support AR and thus lower the barrier of entry for a large number of people. To analyze the potential of AR for the presentation and discussion of 3D geological models, a mobile app has been developed.

Started as a prototype during a geoscience hackathon, the app has now been rewritten from scratch and was uploaded to the iOS App Store. During the conceptualization phase of the features, the immense potential already became apparent. The app itself allows users to download a number of 3D geological models to their device and explore them in AR. They then have the possibility to share this model with up to seven other peers in the same room. This means that every user will see the model in the same space and in the same state. As soon as one user changes e.g. the size or rotation of the model, the new state will be synchronized with every connected peer. Discussion is aided by a "pointing" and "highlighting" feature to assure that everyone is talking about the same model part. The models are either stored on the device or can be downloaded via internet. For now, the models are supplied by GiGa infosystem's GST Web, but additional sources are being explored.

The delivery of the app with this basic featureset invites first user feedback and allows for a better exploration of possible applications. For example, viable use cases of this app can be found in academia as an easier way to communicate 3D models to students, during conferences as a presentation platform to give peers a guided tour of a model, or in modeling where advanced features such as digital boreholes or cross-sections can help verify intermediate results.