Unlike conventional movies, these movies are wholly under the control of the user. At any point, the user can zoom in on a particular item of interest such as a building defect, or pan around a room. The second type of navigable movie is the object movie. With this kind of movie, the student is able to manipulate an object in space, looking underneath, around and on top of it. This is achieved by precise photographic recordings at specific angles around the object.
Navigable movies are a very portable technology which work particularly well with the Internet.
As well as computer based teaching, it is useful as a lecturing tool provided there is access to a computer projection system. With the same collection of walkthroughs, the teacher is able to address a variety of issues with different audiences. Case Studies One case study which is being developed for students of construction is the ISMA building which is under development in the campus of the University of Reading. This building, designed by Mather architects and built by Longley, is particularly interesting as it will house a complete dealer room simulation. We therefore have a unique opportunity to observe how a highly serviced building is created.