This has a seven projector system and provides true immersive virtual reality designed for group interaction, training and design review. The university now has an expanding team of 30 full-time experts in VR modelling, project and technical management, business development, sales and creative direction. It has created VR models for a range of applications including construction, manufacturing and tourism and global real estate development. Janice Webster, director of the VR Centre, is keen to demonstrate the strengths and flexibility of virtual reality to local businesses. We want to get local companies interested by cutting though the hype and emphasising the practical benefits.
Visualisation plays a key role in the aviation industry.
One of the most innovative projects is NASA's Futureflight Central, one of the world's most advanced virtual airport control towers. This uses SGI graphics technology. The interior can be reconfigured to look like any control tower and a room underneath can accommodate a team playing the part of pilots and ground crew communicating with the controllers via head sets. Using numerous data sources such satellite imagery, digital photographs and architectural data, the system can portray traffic and weather conditions at any airport in the world in 360 degree high resolution virtual reality. With air traffic continually growing safety is a prime consideration.