In the 25 years since ABACUS was formed we have explored many research directions, the most enduring of which has been centred around the visualisation of buildings. This is one area where quantity, in terms of data, is directly linked to quality of output. While it has always been relatively easy to model a single building it is a different challenge to assess the visual characteristics of even a small group of buildings, let alone an area of a city.
In the mid 1980s ABACUS generated a geometrical data base relating to the city of Glasgow. This was originally perceived as an academic exercise in how to create, store, access and manipulate large data sets, yet the model soon proved popular with developers who were interested in visualising their proposals in the context of the city. This mode of usage financed the increasing scope of the model until it covered some 25 square kilometres.
Recent VR Research
| VRGlasgow. Our simple to use VRGlasgow Kiosk allows the user to explore the VR model of Glasgow and discover the delights hidden within! This revised version of the complete "Glasgow Directory" allows for an easier to use virtual experience. Can currently be seen in the 'Lighthouse'.(needs VRML2 browser with min resolution of 1024 x 768). |
| The Glasgow Directory. Fully featured Urban Information System (UIS) allowing users to explore Virtual Glasgow and search for information under a number of headings - As seen in the 'Lighthouse'.(needs VRML2 browser with min resolution of 1024 x 768). |
| The Glasgow Model - VRML1 Suitable for VRML1 compliant browsers. Provides simple geometry only. |
| Download the model in DXF format. Select and download part of the Glasgow model, ready for importing into a suitable CAD package (Beta Version). |
| VRML Tools '98 These VRML tools provide a quick and easy solution to the problem of creating accurate viewpoints and animations within VRML worlds. |
| VRML Possibilities: The Evolution of the Glasgow Model Paper presented at the Virtual Systems and MultiMedia Conference (VSMM) Dundee, Scotland, September 1999. |
| VRGlasgow Working Research Abacus are still very much involved in developing different working versions of VRGlasgow primarily used as a 'test-bed' for innovative ways of representing the city on the Internet. The research involved will be put to use on other city projects, and will evolve as new ideas and technologies arrive. Current interests include, Java Audio, Real Time navigation feedback using DHTML, On-Line Collaborative Planning and Java-based Multi-User Worlds! |