Virtual Reality for learning construction surveying

This paper proposes the use of Virtual Reality (VR) as the enabling tool for delivering and learning construction layout and surveying. VR is used to provide an interactive learning experience through real-time computer generated imagery (CGI). The students learn and apply the theoretical part of the class through the interaction with the virtual surveying equipment in a virtual environment (VE). Our hypothesis is that the students’ exposure to the virtual surveying equipment and the ability to practice at their own pace without worrying about making expensive mistakes will enhance the learning experience compared to current practices. In current practices, the students have limited access to equipment, they are constrained by the schedule and the learning pace of other team members, and are limited to the type of accessible terrain where they practice the skills learned in the class. In the paper the authors highlight the benefits of the proposed method, describe the development of the virtual learning environment.