In this section, students will find brief descriptions of interesting or unique geologic settings that illustrate some of the processes and phenomena studied in each chapter - but with a 21st Century twist. During the last decade or so, many maps and other sources of geospatial data have been converted or acquired using digital technologies of various kinds.

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Whereas geologists once relied on large format paper maps to depict many geologic associations, the ability to visualize geologic phenomena using digital data is an increasingly valued tool among research geologists of the 21st Century.

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For each chapter of this Online Learning Center, a "virtual vista" was created from publicly available geospatial data sets - digital maps of topography or geology, digital terrain data, and digital aerial photographs were combined to create realistic views of interesting geologic locations or phenomena.

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It is hoped that the short descriptions and imagery that accompany each "Virtual Vista" will intrigue you (and perhaps even your professor!) in such a way that you will be motivated to learn more on your own.

The samples provided in this Online Learning Center are but a very small peak into the fascinating (and growing) area of digital geology. Enjoy!