Patent ID: 8525825

Claim:
A computer implemented method for navigating in panoramic image data, comprising: (1) creating a three-dimensional virtual model, by one or more computer systems, from contents of a plurality of two-dimensional images, the three-dimensional virtual model including a plurality of façade planes, the creating comprising: (a) determining a plurality of pairs of matching features, including a first feature in a first image and a second feature in a second image, such that the first feature matches the second feature, wherein the first and second images are selected from the plurality of two-dimensional images, and (b) using the plurality of pairs of matching features to create at least a portion of the three-dimensional model; (2) determining an intersection of a ray, extended from a position on a camera viewport of the first image, and the three-dimensional virtual model created in step (1), wherein the position is selected by a user; (3) retrieving a panoramic image located according to a location of the intersection determined in step (2); (4) orienting the panoramic image retrieved in step (3) to face the intersection; and (5) displaying the oriented panoramic image oriented in step (4) to the user.