A Case Study in Multi-Sensory Investigation of Geoscientific Data

In this paper, we report our ongoing research into multi-sensory investigation of geoscientific data. Our Geoscientific Data Investigation System (GDIS) integrates three-dimensional, interactive computer graphics, touch (haptics) and real-time sonification into a multi-sensory Virtual Environment. GDIS has been used to investigate geological structures on the high-resolution bathymetry data from the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Haptic force feedback was used to precisely digitize line features on threedimensional morphology and to feel surface properties via varying friction settings; additional, overlapping data can be perceived via sound (sonification). We also report on the results of a psycho-acoustic study about the absolute recognition of sound signals, and on the actual feedback that we have received from a number of geoscientists during a recent major geoscience conference.