Surveying Reality (SurReal): Software to Simulate Surveying in Virtual Reality

Abstract

Experiential learning through outdoor labs is an integral component of surveying education. Cancelled labs as a result of weather, the inability to visit a wide variety of terrain location, recent distance education requirements create significant instructional challenges. In this paper, we present a software solution called surveying reality (SurReal); this software allows for students to conduct immersive and interactive virtual reality labs. This paper discusses the development of a virtual differential leveling lab. The developed software faithfully replicates major steps followed in the field and any skills learned in virtual reality are transferable in the physical world. Furthermore, this paper presents a novel technique for leveling multi-legged objects like a tripod on variable terrain. This method relies solely on geometric modeling and does not require physical simulation of the tripod. This increases efficiency and ensures that the user experiences at least 60 frames per second, thus reducing lagging and creating a pleasant experience for the user. We conduct two leveling examples, a three-benchmark loop and a point-to-point leveling line. Both surveys had a misclosure of 1 mm due to observational random errors, which demonstrated that leveling can be conducted with mm-level precision, much like in the physical world.

Virtual Reality Traverse: A Novel Way to Teach Traverse Surveying

“…As technology matures, recent attempts of using VR in teaching surveying uses immersive VR, which is real 3D in contrast to panoramic photos. Topics include levelling (Bolkas et al, 2021), topographic survey (Levin et al, 2020) and collaborative training experience on surveying equipment.…”

Surveying Education in Construction Programs: A Systematic Review

“…Virtual Labs enable students to engage in practical exercises remotely, ensuring accessibility and continuity of learning (Tingerthal & Kaoni, 2021;Kist & Basnet, 2013). Virtual Survey Instruments are digital tools that simulate actual surveying instruments and provide hands-on experience in surveying without the need for physical equipment (Bolkas et al, 2021;Kuo et al, 2011). Lastly, Digital Textbooks are electronic versions of traditional textbooks, often enhanced with interactive features such as multimedia and self-assessment quizzes (Holley, 2006).…”

“…Moreover, curriculum development and educational efforts need strong alignment with technological advancements. Studies in the literature had attempts at technology integration and utilizing non-traditional teaching (e.g., virtual learning) in construction surveying education (Bolkas et al, 2021;El-Mowafy et al, 2013;Kuo et al, 2011). However, the current literature lacks a review study in construction surveying education, which is crucial for both curriculum development and technology integration.…”

Utilizing Virtual Reality to Support the ASCE UESI Student Surveying Competition

“…Therefore, virtual reality can be used to address challenges in outdoor labs related to weather, inaccessibility to sites, transportation costs, and enhance comprehension of surveying procedures. Few notable examples in the literature can be found in [14], [16], [19], [20]. For instance, in [16] students used a virtual total station to gather ground shots and create contour maps that were compared with reference contour maps that were developed by an expert.…”

“…For instance, in [16] students used a virtual total station to gather ground shots and create contour maps that were compared with reference contour maps that were developed by an expert. In [19] and [20] students conducted differential leveling using a virtual instrument and collected surveying datasets in different terrains including a city environment. However, one of the major drawbacks of virtual reality is the associated cost, as students often need to have access to a higher end gaming computer and virtual reality hardware.…”