Landscape visualization in fieldwork

Abstract

This paper presents a methodology for the use of 3D modelling and landscape visualization in the context of real-world experience. The techniques offer a framework for a qualitative 'ground truth' exercise to assess the nature and quality of digital geographic information within the context of fieldwork exercises. In view of the increasing use of such compelling images in a range of public contexts, the approach aims to encourage viewers of computer-generated landscape images to question the data and processing techniques which generated the digital models. The techniques are used to complement the physical geography components of fieldwork by augmenting real scenes with hidden (geological) and past (glaciated) landscapes. Ongoing developments in the use of mobile computing devices to further support these approaches are presented. © 2009 Taylor & Francis.