The Structural Geology Query Toolkit: Build your own virtual field experience for inclusive teaching and scientific collaboration
Juliet G. Crider, University of Washington
Mattathias D. Needle, University of Washington
Jacky Mook, University of Washington
John F. Akers, University of Washington
Abstract
The Structural Geology Query Toolkit is a suite of original, pre-coded modules to facilitate the creation of custom, open-ended, video-game-style virtual field exercises from any point cloud or digital outcrop model. The Toolkit includes codes that simulate traditional tools for structural inquiries, enabling end-users to query the digital model and extract structural data with an intuitive video-game interface, while simulating the experience of being at an outcrop with measuring tape and geodetic compass. Orientation data instantly plot to an onscreen stereonet that can be viewed in 3D mode to enhance visual connections between the user's structural measurements of the virtual outcrop and stereonet projections. The features of a virtual field experience are customizable and can be based on digital models of any scale.
Our motivation in creating and sharing these game-construction tools is to enable straightforward creation of virtual field experiences to enhance scientific collaboration, geoscience education, educational equity, and geoheritage preservation efforts. In a game environment, it is possible for geoscientists to examine outcrops that they cannot otherwise visit, whether because of individual physical limitations, dangerous field locations, travel restrictions, or destruction of the outcrop. The open-ended nature of these virtual field experiences allow end-users to construct their own knowledge of the landform or rock structure, because they can explore the site, view the features from different perspectives, and choose what to measure. Students can also build skills in data collection and analysis via virtual environments as an alternative or precursor to traditional field trips, as a means to build experience and confidence in familiar and accessible settings (the computer lab) before the challenges of the field.
We selected the free, industry-standard Unity game engine for game construction, so that the virtual field experience can be built to share on the internet or as free-standing applications for desktop computers, mobile devices, or virtual reality headsets. Our Toolkit is free and open-source; we encourage collaboration and additional contributions to the tool library. To see examples of virtual field trips built with the Toolkit, please visit www.virtualfieldgeology.com. We are offering a low-cost, on-line workshop through GSA Connects 2022, to guide novice game-designers through the process of constructing their own virtual field experiences with the Toolkit: Shortcourse 505 https://community.geosociety.org/gsa2022/program/short)
Session
Session 3: Teaching Innovations in SG&T