Abstract

Virtual globes such as NASA World Wind and Google Earth have already revolutionized real time geophysical hazard monitoring and geologic map visualization with basic features such as Network Links, Ground Overlays, Placemarks hyperlinked to field data, and Timespans. However, addition of solid and shell models using Collada (www.collada.org) greatly enhances the potential of geobrowsing for both research and teaching. The Collada XML schema is supported by a range of modeling applications, both commercial and open-source. Collada models permit geological cross sections to be located along the associated map's line of section, core data to be embedded in the original drill holes, and seismic centroid moment tensors to be positioned at their associated epicenters. Structural geological applications include three-dimensional fold and fault shell models that intersect the terrain along topographic traces, as well as oriented stress and strain ellipsoids and surface bump-outs. Models may range in linear scale from 1 km or less to 10,000 km or more, and so may span large portions of the globe. Two years of assessing learning outcomes from class-projects involving geobrowsing suggest improved student visualization, increased geospatial awareness, and heightened enthusiasm for the curriculum. In some cases, significant research results have emerged from geobrowsing class assignments. Most importantly, virtual globes and modeling applications facilitate student generation of course content which is key to effective teaching and learning.