Virtual Reality: An Efficient Way in GIS Classroom Teaching

Although geographic information system (GIS) education has been spread widely, it becomes increasingly apparent that two-dimensional maps cannot be precisely present multidimensional and dynamic spatial phenomena. It seems that merging GIS and Virtual Reality (VR) is a way to deal with these issues in terms of GIS classroom teaching. Virtual learning environment is the simulation of teaching method, thinking model, cognition manner and control means in the actual learning environment. This paper introduces virtual reality technology and the necessity of applying in GIS education and instruction, which explain the basic method and achieving a way of VR technology applying in the GIS classroom teaching with the instance of VR. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the application of virtual realistic learning environment for GIS education and establish a classroom teaching model accordingly.