Abstracts:

Virtual Reality is becoming a popular tool to visualize 3-D data. However, there is often very limited direct interaction with data. In this paper, we present a multi-view approach to support 3-D interaction within VR environments. This approach is implemented in the Multilevel 3D Interactive Interfaces system, using existing GIS and VR technology. Rather than merely a visualization tool, Multilevel 3D Interactive Interfaces system is a Virtual Reality interface that supports visualization, manipulation and editing of standard GIS data. We describe the system design, system and add-on functionality and future developments.

To support 3-D GIS interaction within VR-environments we have developed a multi-view approach based on three types of visualization: plan view, model view and world view. The ''plan view'' visualizes the data as a conventional cartographic map. The ''model view'' provides a 3-D bird’s-eye view on a partly symbolic and simplified 3-D representation of the data. The ''world view'' gives the full immersive and photo-realistic 3-D display. These views or modes can be used simultaneously or intermittently, and each provides a repertoire of interaction possibilities that is apt -but not necessarily limited- to that kind of visualization and interaction.

The advantages of using multilevel 3D interactive interfaces:



- Geographic information systems are rich in information;

- The ability to use accurate digital relief data and other most important geographic information, and also the ability to support these data in real time;

- The ability to quickly create 3D images of any complexity and to put high quality photo- realistic textures on them;

- It’s easy to make any changes;

- It’s easy to choose viewpoints, routes of movement, and dynamics of movement;

- The ability to move inside buildings; panoramic view from windows;

- The ability to choose suitable season, daytime, and weather conditions;

- The ability to trace the movement of the sun; all shadows are real-time animated;

- The ability to add “decorative” elements, such as traffic, natural sounds, pedestrians etc.;

- The ability to create huge virtual 3D environments (cities).