This study aims to establish a man-machine interaction teaching platform of geographic information via the integration of virtual reality and geographic information systems. Firstly, with the global positioning system technology, we created a field investigation database based on the cultural and natural environment of Tamsui town in Taipei County. The database was setup by geographic information systems to demonstrate the information. Then, by integrating digital terrain modeling, remote sensing technology and 3D sketch software, we setup the 3D geography and 3D buildings of the study area. Finally, the 3D geographic information teaching platform was established by virtual reality interaction software. Then we proceed to a series of tests and interviews with seventy-six social studies teachers in elementary and junior high schools, and the result shows that the system could bring a distinct improvement in traditional geography teaching. The most valuable achievement of this research is to build a customized virtual geographic information platform with the aid of 1) the simulative and interactive feature of virtual reality; and 2) the powerful demonstrations and the analytic functions of geographic information systems. The platform offers an educational and spatial environment conducive to learning geography. Furthermore, we demonstrate the features and feasibility of the platform and show that how the teaching of geography can be done in an interesting way to improve the traditional 2D paper teaching.