Immersive visualization of 3D subsurface ground model developed from sparse boreholes using virtual reality(VR)

Analytics and visualization of multi-dimensional and complex geo-data,such as three-dimensional(3D)subsurface ground models,is critical for development of underground space and design and construction of underground structures(e.g.,tunnels,dams,and slopes)in engineering practices.Although complicated 3D subsurface ground models now can be developed from site investigation data(e.g.,boreholes)which is often sparse in practice,it remains a great challenge to visualize a 3D subsurface ground model with sophisticated stratigraphic variations by conventional two-dimensional(2D)geological cross-sections.Virtual reality(VR)technology,which has an attractive capability of constructing a virtual environment that links to the physical world,has been rapidly developed and applied to visualization in various disciplines recently.Leveraging on the rapid development of VR,this study proposes a framework for immersive visualization of 3D subsurface ground models in geo-applications using VR technology.The 3D subsurface model is first developed from limited borehole data in a data-driven manner.Then,a VR system is developed using related software and hardware devices currently available in the markets for immersive visualization and interaction with the developed 3D subsurface ground model.The results demonstrate that VR visualization of the 3D subsurface ground model in an immersive environment has great potential in revolutionizing the geo-practices from 2D cross-sections to a 3D immersive virtual environment in digital era,particularly for the emerging digital twins.

Metaverse:Perspectives from graphics,interactions and visualization

The metaverse is a visual world that blends the physical world and digital world.At present,the development of the metaverse is still in the early stage,and there lacks a framework for the visual construction and exploration of the metaverse.In this paper,we propose a framework that summarizes how graphics,interaction,and visualization techniques support the visual construction of the metaverse and user-centric exploration.We introduce three kinds of visual elements that compose the metaverse and the two graphical construction methods in a pipeline.We propose a taxonomy of interaction technologies based on interaction tasks,user actions,feedback and various sensory channels,and a taxonomy of visualization techniques that assist user awareness.Current potential applications and future opportunities are discussed in the context of visual construction and exploration of the metaverse.We hope this paper can provide a stepping stone for further research in the area of graphics,interaction and visualization in the metaverse.

Flexible visualization framework for head-mounted display with gesture interaction interface

As the development of new visualization systems,within the field of simulation,offers their users more insights from their simulations,immersive systems are becoming a part of the visualization techniques.With the recent advancements of the Head-Mounted Displays(HMDs)and popularity of motion sensors,human beings and computer become more interactive.This study aims to evaluate the potential of such systems as a visualization tool through the development of a new flexible framework for visualization within virtual reality(VR)environment,using an Oculus Rift and a Leap Motion.Two approaches are then compared:high-3D object rendering within the virtual scene approach and a user experience-oriented system with an intuitive interface.To assess the quality of the interface and its relevance for the user,different types of gestures are implemented and tested.From an experiment on users to evaluate the developed system as a proper visualization tool,the HMDs,paired with a motion sensor to make a gesture-controlled interface seem to be promising mediums despite various constraints on development regarding the technology limitations.

IVMS:An immersive virtual meteorological sandbox based on WYSIWYG

A novel approach to visually represent meteorological data has emerged with the maturation of Immersive Analytics(IA).We have proposed an immersive meteorological virtual sandbox as a solution to the limitations of 2D analysis in expressing and perceiving data.This innovative visual method enables users to interact directly with data through non-contact aerial gestures(NCAG).Referring to the“What you see is what you get”concept in scientific visualization,we proposed a novel approach for the visual exploration of meteorological data that aims to immerse users in the analysis process.We hope this approach can inspire immersive visualization techniques for other types of geographic data as well.Finally,we conducted a user questionnaire to evaluate our system and work.The evaluation results demonstrate that our system effectively reduces cognitive burden,alleviates mental workload,and enhances users’retention of analysis findings.