Integrating virtual reality and GIS tools for geological mapping, data collection and analysis: an example from Metaxa Mine, Santorini (Greece)

In the present work we highlight the effectiveness of integrating different techniques and tools for better surveying, mapping, and collecting data in volcanic areas. We use an Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) approach, for data collection, integrated with GIS analysis in a well-known volcanological site in Santorini (Metaxa mine), a site where volcanic processes influenced the island’s industrial development, especially with regard to pumice mining. Specifically, we have focused on: i) 3D high-resolution IVR scenario building, based on Structure from Motion photogrammetry modelling; ii) subsequent geological survey, mapping and data collection using IVR; iii) data analysis, e.g. calculation of extracted volumes, as well as production of new maps in a GIS environment using input data directly from the IVR survey; and finally iv) resentation of new outcomes that highlight the importance of Metaxa Mine as a key geological and volcanological geosite.