[H-GM03] Geomorphology

[HGM03-09] Exploring a co-seismic landslide in Hokkaido, Japan through virtual reality investigation

*Abdul Azim Muhammad Zulhilmi¹, Yuichi S. Hayakawa² (1.Graduate School of Environmental Science, Hokkaido University, Japan, 2.Faculty of Earth Environmental Science, Hokkaido University, Japan)

Keywords:Co-seismic Landslide, Virtual Reality, Field investigation, 2018 Hokkaido Eastern Iburi Earthquake, Exploration

Virtual reality (VR) is a recent technology that may expand the possibilities of how geologists can interact with their geological data. It allows an individual to enter a virtual realm where they can utilize, experience, and manipulate three-dimensional (3D) virtual objects in full immersion. Considering that VR is still an emerging technology, its application in geosciences has been relatively limited. Unlike more matured fields, VR currently lacks a comprehensive suite of dedicated tools for conducting in-depth modern geoscientific analyses. In this study, a VR approach was attempted to investigate a landslide that occurred due to the 2018 Hokkaido Eastern Iburi Earthquake. We utilized an unmanned aerial vehicle with an optical and laser sensor (DJI Matrice 300 RTK with Zenmuse L1) applying Structure-from-Motion Multi-View Stereo photogrammetry and Light Detection and Ranging techniques to create the VR environment. We conducted VR fieldwork using a simple user-friendly VR measuring tools developed for this purpose, and simply compared the measurement results with those obtained by real fieldwork to allow us to make a reliable field interpretation of the landslide specimen. The results revealed a close resemblance between the measured parameters in the VR environment reconstructed and the actual real-world conditions. When integrated with observations made in VR, these findings offer insights that can be employed to infer a segment on how the landslide may have developed from its initiation to its stabilization. In this context, VR offers alternate method of remote investigation, allowing exclusive access to temporally preserved field experience for further exploration, even in inaccessible areas. Ultimately, this research will highlight the potential of VR in offering an innovative avenue for a new style of geological investigation while aspiring for further developments in the field.