Virtual Reality 360° Panoramic Technology to Support Topographic Mapping Tasks

This article describes the creation of a topographic map using 3D Virtual Reality 360° panoramic technology in a VR low immersion desktop environment as a supplement to traditional surveying methods. Students' perception of the 3D environment was evaluated using the Questionnaire on User eXperience in Immersive Virtual Environments, and they also completed an opinion survey regarding their experience. Participants evaluated the 3D environment as practical, clear, professional, manageable, and motivating. They comfortably navigated and visualized the environment from multiple points of view and thought that it helped them become familiar with the terrain that was the subject of the topographic map to be made. They also gave opinions in favour of the practicality of the 3D environment for locating reference points and planning the topographic work to be carried out, making easier for them to select the mass points to acquire to collect with topographic instruments.