Abstract
Sensors are a key component of virtual reality (VR) technology, as they enable motion tracking, interaction with the environment, and realistic representation of user behaviour in virtual space. VR technology is gaining increasing importance in engineering, offering new ways to support research, analysis, and training. This article examines its applications in four key areas: surveying and geomatics, mining, environmental protection, and occupational safety. The study is based on a review of the scientific literature indexed in the Scopus database, with the aim of highlighting both the potential of VR and directions for its future development. The findings indicate that VR provides effective tools for analyzing, interpreting, and visualizing complex geospatial data. It enables realistic simulations of mining processes, supports the monitoring of environmental impacts, and facilitates environmental education by creating engaging, immersive experiences. In occupational safety, VR allows hazard scenarios and accident events to be reproduced in a safe yet highly realistic environment, significantly enhancing the effectiveness of training. This is made possible through the integration of sensors with virtual reality, further enhancing immersion in the environment. Despite these advantages, several barriers have been identified. They include technological challenges, insufficient numbers of trained specialists, health and ergonomics concerns, resistance to organizational change, ethical considerations, and limited funding. It is clear that the future of VR in engineering will be shaped by continuous technological progress combined with growing attention to behavioural aspects of training and user interaction. These trends are expected to drive the creation of increasingly advanced and effective tools. The article thus provides a foundation for further exploration of VR as an integral part of engineering practice.