Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42812339›Full record

ArticleEcology and evolution2026

A Methodological Case Study for Integrating Virtual Reality and 3D Photogrammetry: A Pilot Digital Platform for Exploring Mangrove Environments.

Terence Pun Tung Ng, Kenny Zhi Hao Li, Cheryl Wood Yee Shum, Kian Ka Ki Tam, Yiu Man Chan, Flora Siu Yan Mok, David Tai Wai Lau

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Ecology and evolution, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

7 authors.

Terence Pun Tung NgAgriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Hong Kong Hong Kong Special Administration Region China.ORCID https://orcid.org/0009-0008-5385-8429
Kenny Zhi Hao LiShiu-Ying Hu Herbarium, School of Life Sciences The Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong Hong Kong Special Administration Region China.
Cheryl Wood Yee ShumShiu-Ying Hu Herbarium, School of Life Sciences The Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong Hong Kong Special Administration Region China.
Kian Ka Ki TamAgriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Hong Kong Hong Kong Special Administration Region China.
Yiu Man ChanShiu-Ying Hu Herbarium, School of Life Sciences The Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong Hong Kong Special Administration Region China.
Flora Siu Yan MokAgriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Hong Kong Hong Kong Special Administration Region China.
David Tai Wai LauShiu-Ying Hu Herbarium, School of Life Sciences The Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong Hong Kong Special Administration Region China.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3443-1808

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Mangroves are ecologically vital ecosystems that present unique logistical challenges for field-based environmental education and research due to seasonal tidal fluctuations, difficult muddy terrain, and visitor safety considerations. Balancing sustainable conservation with accessible site exploration requires innovative approaches. To address these constraints, we developed a pilot multimodal platform to demonstrate the technical feasibility of integrating virtual reality (VR) and 3D photogrammetry as core methodological components for environmental representation. This interactive platform constructs virtual walking trails across two ecologically significant mangrove stands in Hong Kong, one within a Ramsar Site and another within a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). These sites serve as methodological testbeds to showcase how immersive digital environments can realistically represent complex, restricted terrains without geographical or temporal limitations. The virtual trails incorporate high-resolution 3D models of representative mangrove flora and fauna (e.g., plants, snails and crabs), allowing users to examine intricate morphological details. Supplementary high-resolution visual media of species and habitats are embedded to construct a comprehensive multimodal environment. As a methodological case study, this work establishes the practical workflow for combining VR and 3D photogrammetry. The resulting pilot platform now awaits future empirical testing to evaluate its potential efficacy and value for environmental education in sensitive ecosystems.

Indexed as

Mangrovesmultimodal platformphotogrammetryRamsar Sitevirtual reality

Identifiers

PMID42812339
PMCPMC13619748

What OpenQuestion holds

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Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.