Welcome to Virtual Field Geology

We are designing geology-based virtual field experiences that enable the user to explore geology in a first-person 3D perspective.
Currently we are building these experiences to WebGL so that they are accessible through standard web browsers. We also build virtual experiences as  standalone software for Mac and PCs, mobile devices, and Oculus. 

3D first-person perspective

Explore the terrain on foot or hover in jetpack-mode to take measurements in hard-to-reach locations. 

Compass to stereonet - instantly!

Make measurements of planes, poles, and lineations and that instantly plot within a stereonet.

Access on web browsers

Experience field geology through WebGL, which can be accessed on web browsers on any computer.

Whaleback Anticline Virtual Field Experience
Click on the video (left) to watch a one-minute introduction to this virtual field experience.

Field Excursion Software Package
The Structural Geology Query Toolkit

Virtual-Field-Trip-building Workshop
Friday, Oct. 6, on Zoom 
Do you have a 3D model of an outcrop or landscape?
Want to make a virtual field experience with it to share? 

Our software package, the Structural Geology Query Toolkit makes this possible. You can download this software on our GitHub page, and follow the step-by-step wiki for building your own virtual field trip. 
We intend on hosting a few short courses to teach you how to implement this software package with your own 3D models.
More information can be found here
GSA Connects 2023: Shortcourse 501. How to Create Your Own 3D Videogame–Style Geologic Field Trip and Host it Online: Accessible, Immersive Data Visualization for Education and Research.
  • ​Fri., 6 October., 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. US$40. 
  • Hosted online
​We have an upcoming workshop associated with GSA Connects 2023 in which we will walk you step-by-step through building a virtual field trip with your own (or a downloaded) 3D model.
To read more about this workshop and register, visit the GSA Connects 2023 Shortcourse webpage -- this workshop is #501.

Publications related to this work

Needle, M. D., Mooc, J., Akers, J. F., & Crider, J. G., The Structural Geology Query Toolkit for digital 3D models: Design custom immersive virtual field experiences, 2022: Journal of Structural Geology, 163, 104710. [link]

Needle, M. D., Crider, J. G., Mooc, J., & Akers, J. F., Virtual field experiences in a web-based video game environment: open-ended examples of existing and fictional field sites, 2022: Geoscience Communication, 5(3), 251-260. [link]

Coming Soon

New Virtual Field Adventures

If you'd like to be updated about our upcoming virtual field experiences, sign up through this Google Form