Skip to main content

Experimental & Advanced Features

This page documents experimental, advanced, or specialized features that may be under development, require special configuration, or are intended for specific use cases. These features may not be fully stable, may require additional hardware/software, or may be subject to change in future releases.

Experimental Features

The commands documented on this page represent experimental or advanced functionality that may:

  • Require additional hardware (VR headsets, specialized equipment)
  • Be under active development with incomplete functionality
  • Require special licensing or configuration
  • Have limited documentation or support
  • Change significantly in future versions

Use these features with caution and ensure you have backups of important data before experimenting.

Virtual Reality Integration​

Connect HMD​

Ribbon button: Connect HMD Tooltip Connect Head-Mounted Display for virtual reality visualization.

What it does Establishes connection to a VR head-mounted display (HMD) such as Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, or Windows Mixed Reality headsets. Once connected, the 3D view can be displayed in immersive stereoscopic VR, allowing users to explore geological models in virtual reality with 6-degree-of-freedom head tracking.

When to use it

  • Immersive 3D geological model exploration
  • Virtual field trips and site visits
  • Spatial understanding of complex 3D structures
  • Demonstrations and public engagement
  • Training and educational applications
  • Remote site visualization

Notes

VR Requirements

Hardware requirements:

  • Compatible VR headset (Oculus, Vive, Windows MR, etc.)
  • VR-capable GPU (typically NVIDIA GTX 1060 or better)
  • Sufficient USB ports and display outputs
  • Room-scale tracking sensors (if applicable)

Software requirements:

  • VR runtime software (Oculus Home, SteamVR, Windows Mixed Reality Portal)
  • Updated graphics drivers
  • VRGS VR plugin or module (may require separate installation)

Setup workflow:

  1. Install and configure VR runtime software
  2. Connect and calibrate VR headset
  3. Launch VRGS and open project
  4. Click Connect HMD to establish VR connection
  5. Put on headset - 3D view displays in VR
  6. Use VR controllers or keyboard/mouse for navigation

VR navigation:

  • Head movement controls view direction naturally
  • VR controllers (if supported) may provide teleportation, grabbing, or measurement tools
  • Keyboard/mouse controls typically remain available
  • Consider comfort settings (vignetting, snap turning) to reduce motion sickness

Performance considerations:

  • VR requires consistent high frame rates (90fps minimum) for comfort
  • Reduce point cloud density, mesh complexity, or rendering quality if needed
  • Test performance before VR sessions
  • Close unnecessary background applications

Best practices:

  • Start with simple models before complex scenes
  • Take breaks to avoid VR fatigue
  • Ensure adequate physical space for room-scale VR
  • Have an observer present for first-time VR users
  • Prepare models specifically for VR (appropriate scale, lighting)

Troubleshooting:

  • If connection fails, verify VR runtime is active
  • Check VRGS VR plugin is installed and enabled
  • Ensure headset is detected by system (Device Manager on Windows)
  • Update VR runtime and graphics drivers
  • Restart VR software and VRGS if issues persist

VR mode provides unparalleled spatial understanding of 3D geological structures, revealing relationships difficult to perceive on 2D screens. Particularly effective for caves, overhangs, complex fold geometries, and subsurface structures.

Collaborative & Multi-User Features​

Multiuser​

Ribbon button: Multiuser Tooltip Enable multi-user collaboration mode.

What it does Activates multi-user collaborative mode allowing multiple VRGS users to connect to the same project simultaneously. Users can see each other's cursors, view changes in real-time, and collaborate on interpretation, measurements, or model building. Essential for remote collaboration, team interpretation sessions, or teaching scenarios.

When to use it

  • Remote collaboration between geologists at different locations
  • Team interpretation sessions (multiple experts interpreting together)
  • Expert-trainee mentoring (expert guides trainee remotely)
  • Real-time peer review and quality control
  • Distributed team project work
  • Virtual teaching and demonstrations

Notes

Multi-User Requirements

Network requirements:

  • Reliable network connection between participants
  • Sufficient bandwidth (depends on data complexity and update frequency)
  • Low latency preferred for smooth interaction
  • VPN or secure connection for confidential data

Server requirements:

  • Multi-user server running (see Start Server)
  • Participants have network access to server
  • Authentication and permissions configured

Limitations:

  • Simultaneous editing may require conflict resolution
  • Large projects may have performance implications
  • Not all operations may be synchronized in real-time
  • Consider locking mechanisms for critical objects

Workflow:

  1. One user starts multi-user server (or use dedicated server)
  2. Other users enable Multiuser mode
  3. Connect to server (enter IP/hostname and credentials)
  4. Connected users appear in participants list
  5. Work collaboratively - view each other's actions in real-time

Collaborative features:

  • Real-time cursor position visibility (see where others are working)
  • Synchronized view updates (object creation, deletion, property changes)
  • Chat or voice communication (if integrated)
  • User indicators (colour-coded cursors, labels)
  • Permissions and roles (viewer, editor, admin)

Best practices:

  • Establish clear communication protocols (who's working where)
  • Assign different areas or tasks to avoid conflicts
  • Use locking for objects under intensive editing
  • Regularly synchronize/save to avoid data loss
  • Plan collaboration sessions in advance
  • Test connection and performance before important sessions

Conflict resolution:

  • Last-write-wins for most operations
  • Locked objects prevent simultaneous editing
  • Undo/redo may behave differently in multi-user
  • Consider saving versions before major collaborative sessions

Multi-user mode transforms VRGS from single-user software into a collaborative platform, enabling geographically distributed teams to work together as if in the same room.

Join Trip​

Ribbon button: Join Trip Tooltip Join existing collaborative session or virtual field trip.

What it does Connects to an existing multi-user session or guided virtual field trip (Geotour). Rather than starting a new session, this command joins an already-active session, allowing you to participate in ongoing collaborative work or follow a guided tour led by an instructor.

When to use it

  • Joining team collaboration sessions already in progress
  • Participating in guided virtual field trips
  • Attending remote training or teaching sessions
  • Joining project review meetings
  • Late arrival to collaborative sessions

Notes Requirements:

  • Active session/trip already running (server active)
  • Session ID or invitation link
  • Network access to session server
  • Appropriate permissions (may require invitation or authentication)

Workflow:

  1. Receive session invitation (ID, URL, or connection details)
  2. Click Join Trip
  3. Enter session information (ID, server address, credentials)
  4. Connect to session
  5. Optionally synchronize your view to session leader's view

Session types:

  • Collaboration sessions: Team members working together on interpretation
  • Virtual field trips (Geotours): Instructor-led guided tours with narration
  • Training sessions: Instructor demonstrates workflows, students follow along
  • Review sessions: Project presentations or quality control reviews

Participant modes:

  • View-only: Can see but not modify (training, demonstrations)
  • Interactive: Can contribute, measure, annotate
  • Full edit: Can modify project (team members)

Related to Multiuser (which starts/enables multi-user capability) and Geotour Log On (for accessing virtual field trip content).

Start Server​

Ribbon button: Start Server Tooltip Start multi-user collaboration server.

What it does Launches the multi-user collaboration server, making your VRGS instance act as the host for a collaborative session. Other users can then connect to your server to join the session, view your project, and collaborate in real-time.

When to use it

  • Hosting collaboration sessions
  • Setting up virtual field trips
  • Acting as session coordinator for team projects
  • Sharing your project with remote colleagues
  • Teaching or training sessions (instructor as host)

Notes

Server Hosting

Hosting responsibilities:

  • Server host's computer handles coordination and synchronization
  • Requires adequate system resources (CPU, RAM, bandwidth)
  • Should have stable, fast network connection
  • Consider firewall and port forwarding configuration
  • Host typically remains connected throughout session

Security considerations:

  • Configure authentication (passwords, user lists)
  • Use secure connections (encryption if available)
  • Be cautious with confidential or proprietary data
  • Monitor connected users
  • Have disconnect/kick capabilities

Server configuration:

  • Port number (default or custom)
  • Maximum users
  • Authentication requirements
  • Permissions and roles
  • Bandwidth/performance limits

Workflow:

  1. Open project to share
  2. Click Start Server
  3. Configure server settings (port, authentication, permissions)
  4. Start server - note connection details
  5. Share connection information with participants
  6. Monitor connections as users join

Alternative: For larger or regular collaborative work, consider dedicated server installations rather than peer-to-peer hosting.

Geotour Log On​

Ribbon button: Geotour Log On Tooltip Log on to Geotour virtual field trip service.

What it does Authenticates with the Geotour service to access virtual field trip content, guided tours, or educational materials integrated with 3D geological models. Geotours provide scripted, narrated tours through 3D sites, similar to audio tours in museums but for geological field sites.

When to use it

  • Accessing educational virtual field trips
  • Following guided geological site tours
  • Student learning and training
  • Remote site familiarization before physical visits
  • Public outreach and engagement
  • Distance learning geology courses

Notes

Geotour Service

Geotour may be:

  • Cloud-based service requiring internet connection and account
  • Institutional service hosted by universities or research organizations
  • Commercial educational content subscription
  • Custom content created by instructors

Check with your institution or VRGS distributor for Geotour access and content availability.

Content types:

  • Pre-recorded narrated tours with automatic camera paths
  • Interactive waypoints with text/audio/video explanations
  • Quiz or assessment elements
  • Supplementary materials (photos, diagrams, references)
  • Multi-level content (overview, detailed, expert tracks)

Workflow:

  1. Click Geotour Log On
  2. Enter credentials (username/password or institutional login)
  3. Authenticate with service
  4. Browse available Geotours
  5. Select and launch tour
  6. Follow guided tour or explore freely

Geotour functionality bridges education and research, making geological field sites accessible to students worldwide or enabling reconnaissance before expensive field expeditions.

Advanced Parameter Controls​

The following commands are parameter input controls that appear in various contexts (image processing, algorithm configuration, etc.). They control specific algorithm parameters or tool settings.

Filter Width​

UI Control: Filter Width: Tooltip Set width parameter for image filters.

What it does Numeric input field for setting the width (kernel size) of image processing filters. Filter width affects the spatial extent of filter operations - larger widths smooth over larger areas or detect coarser features, while smaller widths preserve detail or detect fine features.

When to use it

  • Adjusting smoothing filter strength (larger = more smoothing)
  • Tuning edge detection sensitivity (larger = detect coarser edges)
  • Configuring morphological operations (erosion, dilation)
  • Setting blur kernel sizes

Notes Typical values: 3-21 pixels (odd numbers preferred for symmetry). Larger values increase computation time. Effects depend on image resolution and feature scales. Start with default values and adjust based on results.

Iterations​

UI Control: Iterations: Tooltip Set number of iterations for iterative algorithms.

What it does Numeric input for controlling iteration count in iterative algorithms (ACO, morphological operations, iterative filtering, optimization). More iterations allow algorithms to converge more fully but increase processing time.

When to use it

  • ACO fracture detection (more iterations = more thorough but slower)
  • Iterative morphological filtering
  • Optimization algorithms (ICP, alignment)
  • Convergence-dependent operations

Notes Balance thoroughness vs. speed. Monitor results - excessive iterations may not improve quality significantly. Some algorithms auto-stop when converged; others run all specified iterations.

Increase Size​

Ribbon button: Increase Size Tooltip Increase brush size, point size, or tool size parameter.

What it does Increments the size parameter for the active tool (brush size for painting, point size for display, selection radius, etc.). Repeated clicks progressively increase size.

When to use it

  • Adjusting brush size during facies painting or attribute painting
  • Increasing selection radius for region selection
  • Enlarging point/symbol display sizes
  • Adjusting tool extent for various operations

Notes Context-dependent - affects different parameters based on active tool. Usually paired with Decrease Size for fine-tuning. Some tools display current size value numerically.

Decrease Size​

Ribbon button: Decrease Size Tooltip Decrease brush size, point size, or tool size parameter.

What it does Decrements the size parameter for the active tool. Opposite of Increase Size.

When to use it

  • Fine-tuning tool sizes
  • Reducing brush for detailed work
  • Decreasing selection extents

Notes Minimum size limits prevent zero or negative values. Use keyboard shortcuts if available (bracket keys [ ] commonly used in other software).

Settings​

Ribbon button: Settings Tooltip Open settings or preferences dialogue for active tool or context.

What it does Opens a settings/preferences dialogue relevant to the current context, tool, or operation. May open general application preferences or tool-specific parameter panels depending on where activated.

When to use it

  • Configuring tool parameters before use
  • Adjusting algorithm settings (thresholds, weights, etc.)
  • Setting default values or preferences
  • Accessing advanced options not in main UI

Notes Context-sensitive - Settings button behavior depends on active tool or panel. May appear in multiple ribbon tabs with different effects. Explore settings for powerful options not exposed in main UI.

Simulation Controls​

Start Stop​

Ribbon button: Start Stop (toggle) Tooltip Start or stop simulation or automated process.

What it does Toggle button that starts or stops an ongoing simulation, animation, or automated process. Single button provides start when stopped, and stop when running. Context-dependent - affects different processes based on active mode (DEM simulation, channel migration, automated processing, etc.).

When to use it

  • Controlling DEM particle simulations
  • Starting/stopping channel migration simulations
  • Controlling automated batch processes
  • Managing time-series animations
  • Any iterative or time-dependent process

Notes State-dependent button:

  • Stopped → Start: Initiates process
  • Running → Stop: Halts process (may pause or terminate depending on context)

Some processes support pause/resume (stop pauses, start resumes). Others require full restart after stop. Check specific simulation documentation for behavior.

Related commands in various contexts:

Data Adjustments​

Rescale GCP​

Ribbon button: Rescale GCP Tooltip Rescale data using ground control point distances.

What it does Alternative command for rescaling point clouds or data based on ground control point (GCP) separations. Calculates scale factors from known GCP distances and applies uniform rescaling to correct scale errors from photogrammetry or arbitrary-scale data capture.

When to use it

  • Same use cases as "Rescale From GPC" (see Data Editing)
  • Correcting scale after photogrammetric reconstruction
  • Calibrating arbitrarily-scaled datasets
  • Ensuring data matches real-world dimensions

Notes Functionally similar to "Rescale From GPC" - may be alternative UI location or slightly different workflow. Requires at least two GCPs with known separation distance. Applies uniform scaling (same factor X, Y, Z).

Feedback and Support​

If you're using these experimental features and encounter issues:

  1. Documentation: Check if features have additional documentation in your VRGS installation directory
  2. Configuration: Verify required plugins, licenses, or configuration files are installed
  3. Hardware: Confirm hardware requirements (VR, network, GPU) are met
  4. Support: Contact VRGS support with specific feature names and error messages
  5. Community: Check user forums or knowledge bases for tips from other users
Feature Requests

If experimental features work well for your workflows, provide feedback to VRGS developers. User feedback helps prioritize feature development and stabilization for future releases.

This documentation covers experimental features as of VRGS version 3.2.47. Feature availability, behavior, and requirements may change in future versions.