Dear Colleagues,

Geological surveys have always been highly dependent on accessibility to the areas of interest. For instance, until recently, submarine geosites could only be accessed through conventional ways, such as diving or snorkeling, or costly oceanographic surveys. However, visualization and understanding of geological processes (seismotectonic and/or volcanic processes) in time and space may not only attract touristic interest but also contribute to the mitigation of geohazards. Dynamically advancing fields of informatics, such as virtual/augmented reality (VR/AR) coupled with remotely sensed surveys by unmanned vehicles, are innovative approaches that strongly enhance spatial 3D perception and allow us to map areas of difficult/impossible access at extremely high detail through dynamic models that account for spatial and temporal components. This combined methodology is currently emerging. Several improvements and tests are possible, and very little is known about the immersive perception of time. Thus, this Special Issue is focused on the current technological developments in VR and AR with photogrammetry and oceanography to highlight the terrestrial and underwater wealth, developing a novel interdisciplinary approach for cultural geoheritage and geohazards.

This volume covers, without being limited to, the following subjects:

1. Detailed and visually accurate mapping of the underwater and terrestrial relief based on significant, multitemporal, validated information and data, collected using state-of-the-art technologies (multibeam, ROV, UAV surveys, etc.) to recognize complex geological structures (fault ruptures, ground fracture opening, volcanic tremors, seismic wave propagation, volcanic edifice growth, dyke intrusion, and massive—potentially tsunamigenic—slope failures) and potential geo-hazards.
2. Advanced image processing algorithms that ameliorate the visual appearance of the photo-textured 3D models of the surface and refine the understanding of geological features and processes.
3. Designed and developed tools for multimedia content management in 3D software used for the creation of 3D environments and applications for mobile, desktop, and the web, providing narrative scenarios and producing interactive experiences for VR and AR environments without the need for specialized programming knowledge. VR/AR technologies facilitate integrated and immersive visualizations and multisensory rendering, providing new insights into geological modeling.
4. Development of technologically advanced applications for educational and entertaining cultural products. Thus, the understanding and identification of geological elements by a significantly wider audience may contribute to a sustainable management strategy including a community's alertness and adaptability to changes from multiple geohazards.

This Special Issue is under the framework of VIRTUALDiver (NSRF 2014-2020) (www.virtualdiver.gr) and EU Research and Innovation Action, NEANIAS (https://www.neanias.eu).

Prof. Paraskevi Nomikou
Prof. Karantzalos Konstantinos
Prof. Kalliopi Baika
Dr. Hans-Balder Havenith
Prof. Lazaros Grammatikopoulos
Guest Editors

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