In addition, we plan to experiment with what is being referred to as hybrid CD technology, for example Netscape's LiveCache, which will allow us to put large files on a CD ROM that will sit in the viewers machine, and alleviate download lags. We hope this will lead to developing sites that can be viewed at libraries and remote science centers. The exhibit is analogous to an extension of the gallery space in the museum, a room with similar floor and wall coverings and poster-sized images on the wall. Each image is a link to an external browser window that presents the related content, such as information on the bird diversity of the region, including images and animated clips. The calls of local birds provided by the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology are incorporated into the VRML space as ambient 3D sound, luring the viewer to continue exploring.
Content is organized by aspects of the project and presented on five of six walls in the room.
In addition, there is a virtual desktop computer station in the room from which browsers can enter CTC's online science book. The sixth wall presents a large image that links to an additional VRML file, a vegetation and land use model based on Landsat imagery. The file used in the MOST exhibit is a small section of the model used by the researchers, representing the Finger Lakes region and including the Syracuse area as well as Ithaca, CTC's home base. The viewer can fly over the 3D landscape, seeing the pattern of forest, field, and water in the region between the two cities. Inevitably, everyone tries to find some familiar landmark.