Integrated use of geotechnologies and virtual reality to visualize and evaluate rock masses. Case study: Fátima-Portugal

This work follows on from previous work on 3D photogrammetric modelling of rock masses, using the Structure from motion (SfM) technique and dense correlation as a basis. 
Photogrammetric 3D modelling is a technique that uses photographs to create three-dimensional models of objects or environments. In the context of rock masses, this approach is especially relevant for understanding the geometry and structure of these formations.
Based on this concept, this work was developed with the integration of techniques, photogrammetric data acquisition and 3D photogrammetric modelling, from images acquired with an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), and virtual reality (VR) technology, allowing users to explore the 3D model interactively.  In this way, a realistic virtual environment is created, with the feeling of being present and experiencing a full-scale simulated environment, which makes it possible to visualise the rock mass from different perspectives and assess its structural geological characteristics and monitoring.

The application of this technique to other areas of study (environmental changes and natural hazards), using other sensors (multispectral/hyperspectral optical, thermal sensors, LIDAR) that allow techniques for data fusion, is being studied considering the development of multi-platform and inter-disciplinary surveillance.