Geographical Information Systems and Virtual Reality
Supervisor : Dr. M.P. GuptaArvind Subramaniam
(2010MCS3468)Rajshekar K (2010MCS3475)Geographical Information
Systems and Virtual RealityWhat is a Geographical Information
System (GIS)?It is a system designed to capture, store, manipulate,
analyze, manage, and present all types of geographically referenced
data. GIS is a merging of cartography, statistical analysis and
database technology.What is Virtual Reality?It is a term that
applies to computer-simulated environments that can simulate the
physical presence in places in the real world, as well as in
imaginary worlds.Paper 1Integration of augmented reality and GIS :
A new approach to realistic landscape visualisationPayam Ghadirian
and Ian D. BishopLandscape and Urban Planning, 2008IntroductionGIS
has become a key tool for environmental scientists.Often, however,
results are presented in the form of a series of data files, images
or even graphs that are not directly useful or even understandable
for non-expert users.Landscape visualisation is often used for
communicating complex information about the state of a landscape
and how it might change, and can be particularly effective when
communicating to community groups and policymakers.3 broad
categories of Landscape VisualisationImage draping
Photorealistic Rendering
Src : www.3dmworld.comVirtual World
Src : www.lenne3d.comAugmented RealityAugmented Reality has been
defined as a combination of the real scene viewed and virtual
(computer-generated) images.
Conceptualisation of the Visualisation TechniqueModelling inside
GIS to provide environmental change data under different starting
conditions or assumptions;Creation of a realistic panoramic
backdrop;creating realistic computer-generated images from the
outcomes of modelling inside the GIS;application of an off-line
video-based augmented reality technique to superimpose the computer
images on the panoramic backdrop to realistically represent the
dynamics of environmental change.Major components of the Proposed
Technique
Case StudyCudgewa Valley in rural Victoria, Australia has a weed
problem. The proposed technique was used to model the spread of
weeds, and project future developments.Procedure followed :Creating
Immersive environmentWeeds spread modelingCreating realistic
virtual objectsVideo-based augmented reality techniqueResults
Results
ConclusionsThe authors recognize that there is no universal
landscape visualisation solution. The best approach depends on the
purpose, the type of change being represented and the final
users/viewers of simulation.Combinations of different visualisation
techniques : for example, the interactive functionality of the
virtual world allows users to discover all corners of study area,
with relatively lower resolution. While, for specific areas of
interest where more details are needed, panoramic video with AR
overlays could be provided to efficiently and realistically
represent the dynamics of change.Paper 2Virtual Reality :
Applications and implications for tourismDaniel A. GuttentagTourism
Management, 2010IntroductionRecently, developments in information
and communication technologies (ICTs) have been transforming
tourism in myriad ways e-Tourism.This paper explores the primary
uses for VR within tourism, examines the possibility of using VR to
provide substitute tourism experiences, analyzes some of the chief
questions and challenges associated with VRs integration into
tourism, and suggests numerous ideas for future research related to
VRs uses within tourism.Applications for Virtual Reality within the
Tourism sectorPlanning and ManagementBirds view for
plannersCommunicating tourism plansParticipatory planningUnique
testing capabilities : As an example of such capabilities, Bishop,
Wherrett, and Miller (2001) conducted an experiment in which
subjects navigated a VE simulating a Scottish landscape and chose
different paths based on the landscape characteristics of the
different options. The researchers found that subjects demonstrated
preferences in the VE that often imitated their real life
preferences for certain landscapesSimulate environmental
impactApplications for Virtual Reality within the Tourism sector -
2MarketingFor example, Wan et al. (2007) found that virtual
experiences provided more effective advertising than brochures for
both theme parks and natural parks.EntertainmentIn addition to
serving as a tourism marketing tool, VR systems also can function
directly as marketable, entertaining tourist attractions.At the
DisneyQuest Indoor Interactive Theme Park in Orlando, in Pirates of
the Caribbean: Battle for Buccaneer Gold, a four-person crew
wearing special glasses stands on a ship-themed platform surrounded
by four screens projecting 3D images. One of the players guides the
ship through the VE while the other three players fire imitation
cannons at virtual enemy piratesApplications for Virtual Reality
within the Tourism sector - 3EducationThe Foundation of the
Hellenic World.Zoo AtlantaARCHEOGUIDESurveying tourist
interestsAccessibilitya tourist site may be too remote, too
expensive, too inhospitable, too dangerous, too fragile, or simply
no longer exist.For example, Chinas Dunhuang caves
Applications for Virtual Reality within the Tourism sector -
4Heritage PreservationMichelangelos statues of Davidover 150
sculptures from the Parthenonthe Great Buddha carving from
Afghanistanassorted Angkor temples in Cambodianumerous Terra Cotta
Warrior statues from ChinaDiscussionThe prospect of VR tourism
substitutesPeople want reality, not virtualityIncrease users desire
to visit the real siteNevertheless, aside from a VR substitutes
general preservation benefits, VR substitutes also could provide
tourists with a variety of direct, personal benefits : lower costs,
no lines, no transportation hassles, greater safety, no language
issues, no bureaucracy or visas, no weather concerns, and an
overall guaranteed experienceThe authenticity issue Thank You
