XR FOR SURVEYING ENGENEERING - WORKSHOP
SURE-VFT WORKSHOP I XR FOR SURVEYING ENGENEERING
Empowering the next generation of surveying engineers through immersive technologies.
As Extended Reality (XR) technologies gain momentum across education and industry, surveying engineering is entering a new phase of digital transformation. To help drive this change, the European project SURE-VFT is launching a dedicated workshop on “XR in Surveying Engineering”, scheduled for 22nd of September 2025.
The online event will gather students, researchers, and professionals to explore how XR can enhance training for ground data collection, remote sensing, and 3D model development, skills that are increasingly vital for modern surveying engineers.
From Traditional Tools to Immersive Learning
Surveying engineering has long relied on specialized instruments and techniques for spatial data acquisition and modeling. Today, XR offers new possibilities to bridge the gap between the field and the classroom, allowing students and professionals to engage with realistic, interactive simulations that improve both understanding and performance.
The SURE-VFT project is at the forefront of this evolution. It is a cascade project derived from the European XR4ED initiative (Extended Reality for Education), an european founded online platform designed to foster innovation in XR-based learning. SURE-VFT’s results will be further exploited and disseminated through XR4ED, ensuring wider access and visibility across the education community.
The project team is currently finalising detailed 3D models, setting up interactive scenes, and integrating them into the immersive Virtual Field Trip (VFT) platform. Alongside technical development, progress is being shared through scientific publications and at academic conferences to promote awareness and collaboration.
A key differentiator of SURE-VFT is its focus on student-centred VR scenarios for virtual field trips, designed to foster accessibility, minimise risk, and enable experiential learning even in remote or complex environments.
What to Expect at the Workshop
The upcoming workshop will introduce participants to both the conceptual and practical aspects of applying XR in surveying engineering education.
After an opening presentation of the SURE-VFT project’s goals and innovations by Prof. Petros Patias, the program will feature insights from Prof. Harris Georgiadis, who will explore current trends in XR for surveying engineering education and spatial data collection.
One of the highlights of the session will be the demonstration of SURE-VFT training apps, from Prof Giorgos Mallinis and Dr. Anastasios Stamnas, which allow users to practice ground reference data collection for remote sensing (RS) mapping and 3D model development within immersive environments. Participants will have the opportunity to download the apps and engage with them directly, with guidance from the project team.
The event will also include a presentation from XR4ED, providing a broader European perspective on how XR technologies are reshaping the educational landscape.
Building Digital Competencies for the Future
By participating in this workshop, attendees will not only gain insights into cutting-edge XR tools but will also contribute to shaping the future of surveying engineering education.
The project team is nearing the testing phase’s completion and preparing for the user evaluation period, a significant milestone that will help optimise the platform’s performance and ensure a high-quality user experience.
In a world where digital competencies are increasingly important, initiatives like SURE-VFT are helping equip Europe’s future surveying professionals with the skills and tools they need to thrive.
