Enhancing Spatial Awareness and Collaboration: A Guide to VR-Ready Survey Data Transformation

Enhancing Spatial Awareness and Collaboration: A Guide to VR-Ready Survey Data Transformation

Surveying and spatial science are experiencing a paradigm shift from traditional data outputs to more immersive and interactive formats, driven by the rise in Virtual Reality (VR). This study addresses the challenge of transforming UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle)-acquired photogrammetry data into VR-compatible surfaces while preserving the accuracy and quality crucial to professional surveying. The study leverages Blender, an open-source 3D creation tool, to develop a procedural guide for creating VR-ready models from high-quality survey data. The case study focuses on silos located in Yelarbon, Southeast Queensland, Australia. UAV mapping is utilised to gather the data necessary for 3D modelling with a few minor alterations in the photo capturing angle and processing. Key findings reveal that while Blender excels as a visualisation tool, it struggles with geospatial precision, particularly when handling large numbers coming from coordinate systems, leading to rounding errors seen within the VR model. Blender’s strength lies in creating immersive experiences for public engagement but is constrained by its lack of capability to hold survey metadata, hindering its applicability for professional survey-grade outputs. The results highlight the need for further development into possible Blender plugins that integrate geospatial accuracy with VR outputs. This study underscores the potential of VR to enhance how survey data are visualised, offering opportunities for future innovations in both the technical and creative aspects of the surveying profession.