中文摘要：

虚拟地理环境是一个可用于模拟和分析复杂地学过程与现象，支持协同工作、知识共享和群体决策的集成化虚拟地理实验环境与工作空间，是地理学研究的虚拟实验室，可为现代实验地理学研究提供科学方法和技术手段．本文阐述虚拟地理环境和实验地理学研究的发展过程及当前进展．探讨虚拟地理环境与虚拟地理实验对现代实验地理学研究的意义，并分析当前虚拟地理环境研究的关键问题及存在的误区。虚拟地理环境的兴起与发展为地理过程表达、地理知识获取、地理问题求解提供了新思路、新方法和新技术。实验地理学的研究方法可从野外考察与观测、室内物理模拟及地理数学建模和计算机模拟，拓展到虚拟地理环境平台下的虚拟地理实验。

英文摘要：

Virtual Geographic Environments （VGE） is an integrated virtual space which is used to simulate and analyze complex phenomena and process of geography. It supports activities of research on geography as collaborative work, knowledge sharing and group decision-making. It can become one of the scientific methods and advanced technologies of modem experimental geography study. In the paper, the development process and progress of VGE and experimental geography are introduced, the roll and prospect of VGE and virtual geographic experiment on modem experimental geography are focused, key issues and existing misunderstanding about current studies on VGE are discussed. Integrated research on VGE and experimental geography highlights the importance of geographic model and knowledge in geography study, stresses that VGE can experimental geography study, and contribute promote the theory and methods of modem to the development of geographic science.