US-IALE 2018

AUTHORS: Marguerite Madden*, Sergio Bernardes, David Cotton, Thomas Jordan – University of Georgia

ABSTRACT: We sense and learn about our environment in multiple dimensions. Traditional data sources for agricultural analysis, however, continue to rely predominantly on two-dimensional displays of maps, photographs, data graphs/histograms and conceptual diagrams. Advances in geospatial technologies enhance and innovate data sources available for improved geospatial analysis and decision support. Researchers at the Center for Geospatial Research (CGR) within the Department of Geography at the University of Georgia (UGA) are using geospatial technologies such as unmanned aerial systems (UAS), virtual/augmented reality devices and multi-dimensional geovisualization techniques to create a 3D Immersion and Geovisualization (3DIG) system for education, outreach and research. Combining data acquisition with Structure from Motion (SfM) photogrammetric analysis, image processing, geospatial query and fundamental principles of cartographic display, a powerful set of interactive and immersive initiatives were developed for agricultural applications. Specifically, the 3DIG system consists of: 1) low cost UAS image data collection and processing to create detailed image mosaics and 3D landscape models, 2) 3D modeling of real surfaces with interactive tangible landscapes (i.e., augmented reality sandboxes); 3) immersive experiences with virtual reality goggles and environments; and 4) large format display of high definition and multi-dimensional content using a multi-screen video wall. This paper will document the materials and methods used to create the 3DIG system. We apply the 3DIG to a variety of agricultural landscapes in order to demonstrate the value of advanced geospatial technologies for improved understanding of crop health, phenological expressions of crop genotypes and legacy evidence of historical agriculture in traditional crop and non-cropped forest timberlands.