Virtual Reality in Geoscience: An Overview
摘要
Technological advancements have transformed geoscience, with virtual reality (VR) becoming a valuable tool for education and research. VR enhances the exploration of geological phenomena but faces challenges in achieving realistic simulations, real-time interactivity, and accessibility. Understanding its benefits and limitations is essential for maximizing VR’s potential in geosciences. This study explores the applications of VR in geosciences, highlighting its impact on education, research, and industry. The literature review covers the use of VR in education, space exploration, the oil and mining industry, volcanology, hydrogeology, and geological heritage. The methodology included an analysis of scientific productions in Google Scholar and Scopus databases, selecting 53 relevant articles published since 2020. The results indicate that VR is widely used to simulate remote or hazardous environments, complement field activities, and improve teaching through immersive experiences such as virtual excursions. Photogrammetry, LiDAR, and 3D modeling are essential in many fields but lack haptic feedback and realistic simulations. There are notable gaps in geological analysis and real-time interaction. This work emphasizes the potential of VR as a complementary tool in geosciences while underscoring the need for more interactivity, predictive capabilities, and accessibility in less developed regions. Although VR introduces innovations and addresses logistical challenges, future research should concentrate on creating more interactive and predictive experiences to maximize its impact in the field.