Virtual and Augmented Reality Applications to Support Data Analysis and Assessment of Science and Engineering

Abstract

For decades, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies have remained absent from science and engineering workflows due to the custom-built nature of the hardware and software and oftentimes highly task-specific design. In addition to high cost, these characteristics create a critical entry barrier for most users to invest in VR and AR applications. Recent developments in both VR and AR technologies in the commercial sector have resulted in the availability of affordable consumer-grade and reliable VR and AR hardware and software tools. However, significant research is needed to adapt VR and AR technology use for data-intensive scientific and engineering applications such as network modeling research, human sciences research, and visualization of complex simulated environments. Our VR and AR applications provide examples of how scientists and engineers can use advanced visualization technologies to perform data analysis and assessment, thus transforming scientific discovery.