A multi-view VR interface for 3D GIS

Abstract 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, we present a multi-view approach to support 3D GIS interaction within VR-environments. The multi-view approach is based on three types of visualization: plan view, model view and world view. The plan view visualizes the data as 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 world view gives the full immersive and photo-realistic 3D display. These views or modes can be used simultaneously or intermittently, and each provides a repertoire of interaction possibilities that is apt — but not necessarily limited — to that kind of visualization and interaction. This multi-view approach is implemented in the Karma VI system, using existing GIS and VR technology. We describe the multi-view approach, the system components and the internal data models, and how CAD models can be imported and be made consistent with the GIS data.