The tool described in this paper has now been updated. For information on our latest mixed-reality products allowing data collection and visualization in real-time, see HiveMap.
During the last five years, there has been a dramatic increase in the use of mixed reality (MR) and virtual reality (VR) techniques in mining engineering. The majority of these applications have focused on improving visualisation of engineering projects including open pits and surface mine reclamation. MR/VR can be also used on geotechnical site characterization.
EasyMap MR is a Microsoft HoloLens application developed for direct mapping of the lithology and structure of rock masses in surface and underground environments. Using EasyMap MR significantly improves mapping process and data interpretation, by allowing users to draw traces directly over the rock faces, and displaying geospatial data such as drill holes. Another MR/VR application is developed for virtual core logging and building a virtual core shed. Holographic measurement of discontinuity roughness has been developed using a virtual joint roughness profiler, which allows interactive calculation of roughness coefficients in varied directions in addition to qualitative holographic comparison of roughness profiles with Barton’s joint roughness profiles. Finally, applications of holographic techniques in landslide and rockfall hazard investigations are demonstrated with reference to the 2014 Jure landslide in Nepal.
