  Virtual Reality (VR) enabled applications are becoming very important to
visualize the terrain features in 3D. In general 3D datasets generated from
high-resolution satellites and DEM occupy large volumes of data. However,
lightweight datasets are required to create better user experiences on VR
platforms. So, the present study develops a methodology to generate datasets
compatible with VR using Indian Remote Sensing satellite (IRS) sensors. A
Linear Imaging Self-Scanning System - IV (LISS IV) with 5.8 m spatial
resolution and Carto DEM are used for generating the 3D view using the Arc
environment and then converted into virtual reality modeling language (VRML)
format. In order to reduce the volume of the VRML dataset a quadratic edge
collapse decimation method is applied which reduces the number of faces in the
mesh while preserving the boundary and/or normal. A granitic terrain in the
south-west part of Hyderabad comprising of dyke intrusion is considered for the
generation of 3D VR dataset, as it has high elevation differences thus
rendering it most suitable for the present study. Further, the enhanced
geomorphological features such as hills and valleys, geological structures such
as fractures, intrusive (dykes) are studied and found suitable for better
interpretation.
