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Virtual London
16 December 2003
A virtual reality map of London is being developed by researchers from UCL's Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis (CASA). The project, funded by the Greater London Authority and led by Dr Andrew Hudson-Smith and Mr Steve Evans, will ultimately result in a three-dimensional digital map of the whole of London.
The 3D map will provide Londoners with information about the impact of planning initiatives, and encourage tourism by providing detailed information about sites of interest. Visitors to Virtual London will be able to roam around the site as avatars (digital characters) and take part in interactive simulations. It is hoped that the map, which will be accessible to all online, will encourage debate and give Londoners the opportunity to have a say in the way their environment is shaped. Dr Hudson-Smith says: "A 3D London is a fantastic way to draw people in to thinking about their city".
For the past six years CASA has been working on a series of innovative projects which use the latest technology to engage the public in issues relating to the environment. Virtual London is the largest of these projects to date and employs the latest broadband technology. It is envisaged that the first phase of the project will be completed by March 2004. This will concentrate on the Southwark Pool area of London and include enhanced information about sites of interest such as the Tower of London and City Hall. Once London has been recorded in its entirety it is hoped that the map will grow and evolve as the city does.
Prototype Virtual London model derived from raw data with the permission of Infoterra Ltd and Ordnance Survey © Aerial photography reproduced with the permission of the GeoInformation Group. All rights reserved.
To find out more about Virtual London, use the link below.
Link: Virtual London
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