A multi-view VR interface for 3D GIS

Virtual reality is becoming a popular tool to visualize 3D GIS data. Direct interaction with the GIS data, however, is often limited. In this paper, w e present a multi-view approach to support 3D GIS interaction within VR-env ironments. The multi-view approach is based on three types of visualization : plan view, model view and world view. The plan view visualizes the data a s a conventional cartographic map. The model view provides a 3D bird's-eye view on a partly symbolic and simplified 3D representation of the data. The would view gives the full immersive and photo-realistic 3D display. These views or modes can be used simultaneously or intermittently, and each provi des a repertoire of interaction possibilities that is apt - but not necessa rily limited - to that kind of visualization and interaction. This multi-vi ew approach is implemented in the Karma VI system, using existing GIS and V R technology. We describe the multi-view approach, the system components an d the internal data models, and how CAD models can be imported and be made consistent with the GIS data. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights res erved.