MEGA Vision: Integrating Reef Photogrammetry Data into Immersive Mixed Reality Experiences

Abstract

Coral reefs and submerged cultural heritage sites are integral to supporting marine biodiversity, preserving human history, providing ecosystem services, and understanding drivers of ecosystem health and function. Despite the importance of these submerged underwater habitats, accessibility to these environments remains limited to specialized professionals. The MEGA Vision mixed reality application integrates photogrammetry-derived data products with augmented reality (AR) technologies to transcend this barrier, offering an immersive and educational platform for the broader public. Using high-resolution imagery from SCUBA expeditions, the app presents users with realistic and spatially accurate 3D reconstructions of coral reefs and submerged archaeological artifacts within an interactive interface developed through Unity and Vuforia. The applications’ instructional design includes multimedia elements for enhancing user comprehension of marine and historical sciences. This mixed reality tool exemplifies the convergence of scientific data visualization and public engagement, offering a unique educational tool that demystifies the complexities of marine ecosystems and maritime history, thereby fostering a deeper appreciation and stewardship of underwater environments. By enabling accessible, interactive, and immersive experiences, the application has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with and contribute to marine sciences, aligning technology with conservation and research efforts to cultivate a more informed and environmentally conscious public.