Using laser scanning and digital photogrammetry for creation of virtual geological outcrops: case studies from the west of Ukraine

The last two decades are characterized by the emergence of both new approaches and ideas and the development of new devices and software for the collection, processing and presentation of spatial information in the Earth sciences. By applying laser scanning and photogrammetry, we have the ability to create digital models of natural objects, including digital models of outcrops. The process of creating digital models involves collecting field data, processing and presenting data. The results obtained are used for further processing with the use of specialized software. Laser scanning and photogrammetry have both advantages and disadvantages. The advantage of laser scanning is its high performance and independence from weather. But it is an expensive method of research. The photogrammetric approach is much cheaper, its significant disadvantage is dependence on weather conditions. The created digital models of geological objects for the west of Ukraine (9 objects) and 3 for Eastern Kazakhstan have demonstrated their possibility for further use in order to obtain geological and structural information. With these models, it is possible to get information from previously unavailable places. Also, information is more complete than traditional field research methods.