A Case Study on the 3D Interactive Virtual Geological Scene of the Yangshan Monument for Geology Education

Virtual Reality (VR) technology is a computer simulation system that uses real-life data to create immersive virtual environments. This technology is extensively employed across various industries, particularly in interactive training and education on construction-related subjects such as site visualization, construction processes, and health and safety. Moreover, VR serves as a valuable supplementary tool for field trips, which are a crucial component of civil engineering courses. In this study, we present the development and implementation of a virtual geology site for educational purposes. Utilizing dense point cloud data captured at an actual geology site and a web-based VR tool, we created an immersive virtual environment. We employed Potree, an open-source point cloud renderer based on a web graphics library designed for handling large point clouds. The virtual environment was enhanced with geological features, measurements, and annotations to increase student engagement and improve teaching effectiveness. This versatile tool holds significant potential for ongoing and future applications in geology education and beyond.