GeoVis: Developing an immersive educational tool using Unreal Engine 5

Fieldwork is an essential part of geoscience education, offering hands-on experience in observing and analyzing geological formations. However, participation in fieldwork is often limited by logistical, physical or financial constraints, excluding many students from this critical component of their education. To address this, we present an innovative project that leverages digital technology to create an inclusive virtual fieldwork experience, utilizing Unreal Engine 5 to simulate the practices of geoscientists in an immersive and interactive environment.

The core of the project involves the use of photogrammetry to capture and digitize real-world geological outcrops (RBVR: reality-based virtual reality) and transforming high-resolution models into game-ready 3D assets. These assets are integrated into an Unreal Engine 5 framework, enabling users to explore realistic representations of real geological sites. Unreal Engine 5’s visualization capabilities, such as Nanite and Lumen, are employed to deliver visual fidelity to enhancing the sense of immersion.

In addition to its visual realism, the platform incorporates gameplay mechanics and interactive functions that emulate authentic geoscientific practices, for example collection of field equipment, safety standards and measurement of discontinuity orientations. These features provide students with a simulated fieldwork experience, fostering skill development and comprehension of key concepts in geology.

This project demonstrates the potential of immersive technologies to complement geoscience education by broadening accessibility and expanding the subsequent processing of the field work. By offering a virtual environment in addition to traditional fieldwork, our platform not only addresses barriers to participation but also provides a scalable and customizable solution for a wide range of educational settings. This approach underscores the transformative role of technology in creating equitable and inclusive learning environments for future geoscientists.