Virtual Reality Development for the Mining Industry

PROJECT NUMBER: 79

AUTHOR: Nicholas Bellusci, Mining Engineering | MENTOR: Sebnem Duzgun, Mining Engineering

MENTOR: Doga Cagdas Demirkan, Mining Engineering | MENTOR: Ergin Isleyen, Mining Engineering

ABSTRACT

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Virtual reality (VR) technologies are becoming a more commonly used tool within the mining industry for effective engineering decision-making, simulation, task training, and safety. The understanding of how to convert “big data” to VR applications has allowed for mining operations to optimize production and the well-being of stakeholders. As such, the three-dimensional terrains of mining areas must first be generated, manipulated, and incorporated to set the foundation of a VR environment to achieve these goals. Multiple software (including 3D Map Generator by Atlas, ArcGIS, Google Earth) were researched and tested to determine the most effective way to convert real-life topographical data (in DEM and KML formats) to a three-dimensional model that could be implemented in a VR compatible program (Unity).

VISUAL PRESENTATION

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AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY

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Nick Bellusci is an undergraduate senior majoring in Mining Engineering. The research he has conducted is based on rapidly developing technologies in the mining industry, particularly focused on Virtual and Augmented Reality. He has experimented with a large variety of programs in his work to see what is possible for advanced technological applications in mining.

Sponsored by Phillips 66