Advancing Earth Sciences through digital tools: key challenges from field and laboratory datasets

Understanding geological processes is essential to tackling theenvironmental and social challenges of the future, such as the sustainable management of natural resources and the mitigation of geological hazards. However, the inherent complexity of Earth Sciences and the lack of engaging methodologies to broader audiences make the dissemination of this knowledge to the society a significant challenge. At the same time, the digital transition is transforming science and education, a shift accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted the limitations of traditional field and laboratory methodologies. This scenario calls for a deeper integration of digital technologies to overcome accessibility barriers, while simultaneously enabling the preservation of ephemeral outcrops, and enhance society’s understanding of geological processes.

Whithin this framework, the UB-GEOMODELS Research Institute of the University of Barcelona leads a series of projects, driven by the GEODIGIT project (TED2021-130602B-I00) funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 for the European Union “NextGenerationEU”/PRTR, which aim to develop, apply and validate advanced methodologies levearing digital and disruptive technologies to transform how geological content is generated, analysed and disseminated. Its primary goals include:

-Generating scientific knowledge through digital and disruptive technologies applied to outcrops, rock samples and 3D analogue models to address the demands of the energy transition.

-Enhancing the dissemination and teaching of geological content for the scientific community, educators and societyat large.

-Promoting scientific culture to inspire future generations to engage with Earth Sciences.

This project combines cutting-edge technologies, including LiDAR, photogrammetry, and UAVs, to build photorealistic 3D digital models of outcrops, rock samples, and sandbox models. It also incorporates disruptive technologies like Virtual Reality and 3D printing, pushing the boundaries of traditional geology dissemination. Furthermore, the project will establish an open-access digital library of geological content designed to benefit students, researchers and professionals. These tools will be tailored to inclusive educational methodologies that integrate individuals with functional diversity.

With this project, a new pathway emerges to connect Earth Sciences with society through the power of the technology, enhancing both scientific knowledge and it dissemination across various societal sectors.