Interactive Geo-Information in Virtual Reality – Observations and Future Challenges

Abstract

Abstract. Visualization applications are an increasingly significant component in the field of 3D geo-information. In them, the utilization of consumer grade virtual reality (VR) head mounted displays (HMD) has become a topical research question. It is notable, that in most presented implementations, the VR visualization is accomplished by a game engine. As game engines rely on textured mesh models as their conventional 3D asset format, the challenge in applying photogrammetric or laser scanning data is in producing models than are suitable for game engine use. We present an example of leveraging immersive visualization in geo-information, including the acquisition of data from the intended environment, processing it to a game engine compatible form, developing the required functions on the game engine and finally utilizing VR HMDs to deploy the application. The presented application combines 3D indoor models obtained via a commercial indoor mapping system, a 3D city model segment obtained by processing airborne laser scanning data, and a set of manually created 3D models. The performance of the application is evaluated on two different VR systems. The observed capabilities of interactive VR applications include: 1) intuitive and free exploration of 3D data, 2) ability of operate in different scales, and with different scales of data, 3) integration of different data types (such as 2D imaging and 3D models) in interactive scenes and 4) the possibility to leverage the rich interaction functions offered by the game engine platform. These capabilities could support several use cases in geo-information.

Management of H-Bim Model in Holographic Visualization

“…The normal workflow proceeds with the import of the OBJ model in the proprietary software, Euclideon Presenter, with the creation of a UDP file allowing the visualization on the hologram table (Virtanen, 2020). The limitations of this approach were evident immediately; the model can only be displayed in the views configured by the Euclideon software and the possibilities of querying a model depending on the intended purpose is not possible (Figure 6).…”

Holographic Visions for Architecture in a Park

“…Some researchers have investigated to understand the mathematical and optical rules that support holograms work (Makey et al 2019). Recent studies have been developed to coupe the two environments (Pepe et al,2021) such as buildings and ground, BIM software and GIS, ( Barazzetti, 2021) have explored and used in many platforms as well (Virtanen, 2020). The structure of the workflows is always specialized according to the finalities ; and in the discussed case the finality is clearly the accurate visualization for multi users.…”

Holographic Visualization and Management of Big Point Cloud

“…The relevant topic regarding transformation from twodimensional to three-dimensional visualization devices has grown exponentially in recent years, driven by the need for applications in industrial and medical fields (Pierdicca 2017;Fraga-Lamas 2018;Brun 2019;Desselle 2020). Virtual Reality combined with hologram visualization is increasingly applications in the field of 3D geo-information too (e.g., to visualizing the holographic representation of energy production methods, Virtanen et al, 2020). On the contrary, the world of Cultural Heritage is lies somewhat behind, with applications related mainly to tourism and education (Blanco-Pons et al, 2019;Voinea et al, 2019).…”