Data visualization
3D Visualization Laboratory
Geological structure exists in three dimensions, beneath the Earth's surface.
Understanding the complexity of the Earth requires being able to think and visualize in 4 dimensions: 3 spatial dimensions plus time. Sometimes this can be most effective by choosing two dimensions at a time (maps, cross sections, time series); alternatively, exploring and working in 3D or even with 3D movies can be more powerful.
At NTU, I built a 3D visualization laboratory for this purpose. The 3D lab, which I co-ran with Dr. Kyle Bradley, is powered by a 4K projector system. It is a back-projected, active-source system; users must wear powered glasses to view the 3D images. The projector flickers two images, one for each eye, and the glasses flicker to match, blocking out one of the images for each eye. As a result, each eye sees a different image, and the brain can construct a 3D scene.
Taking a group of international visitors on a "virtual field trip" to Batur volcano, Indonesia. October 2015.
How did we use the 3D Viz Lab?
We used Google Earth, which runs natively in 3D stereo, to go on virtual field trips with students and visitors. This became even more important since many of our trips had to go virtual during COVID travel restrictions.
For more detailed virtual field trips, we generated and explore d3D models generated using photogrammetry (Agisoft Photoscan). These models were produced using photographs, taken by drone, by plane, or on foot.
With GoCAD, a geological CAD tool, we gathered and visualized 3D datasets, and built 3D models of subsurface fault systems. As an example, this allowed us to construct a 3D model of the Main Himalayan Thrust beneath Nepal and compare it to the slip patch.
Students in ES2802: GIS and the Earth System generated 3D models using photogrammetry and view, demo, and explore them.
The EOS art group used the lab to develop 3D models (including a 3D model of our minibuggy, "Echo").
Oculus Rift 3D headsets
Working with Dr. Kyle Bradley, I operated 2 Oculus Rift headsets for use with research and teaching. The headsets work with Google Earth and allowed student-driven exploration of 3D models and data, both in Google Earth and in other softwares.
Seismotectonic mapping using tectoplot
I use the software tectoplot, written by Dr. Kyle Bradley, to produce publication-quality maps, cross-sections, 3D models, and movies of up-to-date seismotectonic data, including high-resolution topography, seismicity, focal mechanisms, gravity, magnetism, plate motions, GPS, and other relevant datasets. I use this code for public outreach, research, and to drive student research projects. For more details, see:
Dr. Bradley's github page with the code, which is open source and freely downloadable
A map of the west coast of Mexico, highlighting the position of a moderate earthquake that occurred in July 2021 relative to plate boundaries, plate movements, and past seismic activity. Generated as outreach for twitter.
Augmented reality sandbox
My group built an augmented reality sandbox following publicly available instructions as a part of an undergraduate research project. We use this sandbox as a teaching and demonstration tool.
One of my group members also worked with the Singapore Science Center in their development of the Earth Alive exhibit, to assist with constructing and calibrating their sandbox.
