Finally, photo-based 3D models offer the ability to build virtual
archives of geoscientific data with relatively low cost or expertise
required. In the realm of the communication of scientific
results in Structural Geology and Paleoseismology, this ability
ought to lead to the development of electronic archives of critical
outcrop or hand-specimen observations to accompany
publications. Such a process would be analogous to electronic
lab-books common to the biosciences. Secondly, there are
obvious pedagogical applications. Many students find difficulty
in visualizing the 3D nature of geological features when these
are shown as standard photographs. 3D models of outcrops and
hand specimens, which can be manipulated individually by
students, would help to overcome this hurdle in visualization
and learning. Rather than replacing field trips, these interactive
models could allow students to revisit key exposures as new
concepts are discussed in order to layer the concepts and reinforce
the connections between the concepts and real world
examples.