Holographic mixed reality: an enhanced technology for visualizing and evaluating complex 3D geologic data

Rock mass characterization involves field data collection, processing, and analysis of the measurement results. Software packages facilitate creation of 3D models as well as the representation of rock mass parameters and resulting block arrays. The computer-generated imagery is traditionally illustrated as static perspective pseudo 3D screenshots, 2D maps or numerical tables and diagrams.
Mixed reality greatly improves data visualization within an immersive and interactive 3D holographic environment enabling interaction with scaled holograms at the actual field dimension.
The holograms are inspected individually or via remote collaboration within shared virtual spaces. The physical outcrop together with quantitative aspects of the rock mass structure is portrayed, enhancing communication and understanding of actual field attributes.
This paper presents case examples of mixed reality holographic models based on photogrammetry, terrestrial and hand-held LiDAR devices. The benefits and potential applications of mixed reality in engineering geology and rock mass characterization are summarized.