LogAR: Free NVCL Data Explorer

Image: Julien Tromeur

LogAR is an Augmented Reality (AR) drill core logging platform that gives users a visually enhanced access to data in the National Virtual Core Library (NVCL) by superimposing HyLogger data onto visualisations of drill core trays.

Overview

Led by Sam Bradley and Gabriel Valentim Berni from the CSIRO, the goal of this project is to develop a version targeted at a broader public audience and enhance features for the discovery and visualisation of precompetitive data available in the NVCL.

Initially pioneered by the MinEx CRC, and now with over four years of active development by CSIRO, LogAR is already a proven prototype platform that will be harnessed to further drive impact from the National Virtual Core Library by improving its machine-readable infrastructure and delivering a simple-to-use experience to geologists to access and make use of NVCL data.

The Challenge

Currently, the most common way to consume data from the National Virtual Core Library is via the AuScope Portal (https://portal.auscope.org.au/) and state and territory geological survey portals. Once downloaded, the data is primarily analysed and interpreted using the ‘The Spectral Geologist software (TSG). This highly specialised product is a powerful tool for spectral geologists but can be intimidating to those not as familiar with the more technical aspects of infrared spectroscopy.

Additionally, while the current NVCL research infrastructure provides dataset access via APIs, these APIs are not optimised for highly interactive applications like LogAR. To bridge this gap, additional development will be undertaken to design and deploy new components capable of efficiently loading, transforming, and caching data specifically for use by interactive clients such as LogAR.

The LogAR platform presents an opportunity to greatly improve access and use of NVCL datasets, and this project will serve to produce an AuScope and NVCL-focused version of the platform available to the public and will facilitate its deployment and uptake in core libraries across the country.

Expected Outcomes

  • Develop a version of the LogAR, augmented reality (AR) core logging and data visualisation tool focused on advanced visualisation of NVCL Data, including real AR using physical core, virtual AR using imagery and non-AR using a regular tablet interface.

  • Develop an open-source, NVCL Data REST API to provide NVCL data from every state in a consistent and easily queryable format.

  • Test the tool across several devices and with users from Geological Surveys, CSIRO, and Industry, and prepare a polished, working version ready for public launch.

  • Develop user guides and training material

  • Launch the NVCL version of LogAR for free on the IOS and Android app stores.

  • Provide in-person setup and training at 3 geological core libraries. Additionally, provide remote training and support for all 6 NVCL nodes to set up LogAR.

  • Present on the NVCL LogAR at a relevant conference.

What are the benefits?

  • Expansion of NVCL: by providing an intuitive AR‑based tool that makes complex drill core datasets easy to explore, interpret, and visualise — no specialist software or spectral expertise required.

  • Boosts Research and Industry Productivity: The tool will enable faster, more accessible drill core logging, consistent national data access via a new open‑source API, and streamlined workflows for geologists, surveys, and exploration teams.

  • Greater Public Engagement: with a free, high‑quality app available on Android and iOS, Australia’s geological archives will be brought to life, supporting outreach, teaching, and broader appreciation of national precompetitive datasets.

Who will benefit

Several communities will benefit from this project, including:

  • Geologists and Earth Data Scientists will gain a better understanding of drill cores through improved digital data analysis and observable rock features.

  • Government agencies, in particular state and territory geological surveys, will gain additional insights from the visualisation of drill core images and superimposed data from the NVCL.

  • Industry stakeholders across critical mineral exploration and processing will have drill core logging streamlined, enabling better data-driven decision-making.

  • The general public will gain an accessible, high‑quality visualisation tool that can generate high-resolution core imagery, both interactive and non-technical.

Access

  • Tool Access: LogAR will be released as an open-source API for the NVCL, including on iOS and Android app stores. The team will provide links when available.

 
 

Project Name
LogAR: Free NVCL Data Explorer

Project Leads

Sam Bradley
Gabriel Valentim Berni

Timeframe
Jan 2026 to Jun 2028

Status
Active

Funding
Pilot 5

Host
CSIRO

Other Collaborators
State Geological Surveys

AuScope Programs

Acknowledging AuScope

This project was made possible by support from the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) through AuScope. Acknowledging AuScope and NCRIS helps us demonstrate the value of shared research infrastructure, ensuring continued support and resources for the research community.

If you helped deliver this project or have benefited from its outputs, please credit AuScope so we can include your work in our impact reporting. For examples of acknowledgment, please visit our ‘Acknowledge AuScope’ page.

We’d love to see your work—please tag us on social media using:

@auscope | #AuScopeImpact | #NCRISimpact

NVCLDaniel VlahekPilot 5, NCRIS, Active, CSIRO, Open Source Applications, Augmented Reality Visualisation, Digital Drill Core Imagery, NVCL Datasets, Virtual Mineral Characterisation