Urban Virtual Reality Models for Engineering Applications

In order to realize Urban Virtual Environments (UVEs), an enormous amount
of time and money must be invested. Although large-scale UVEs can be
created using commercial software, these models focus only on the exterior
shapes of buildings and do not include all the details necessary in engineering
applications. Therefore, a practical and economic data integration method for
creating UVEs is needed. In addition, users of these applications may encounter
insuperable problems when exploring and navigating the large virtual
environments while attempting to accomplish specific tasks. Properly designed
interfaces for navigation, however, can make that experience more userfriendly.
In this book, a data integration method is introduced that will
generate UVEs automatically by integrating Geographic Information System
(GIS) maps, Computer Assisted Design (CAD) models, images, and databases
of information related to each infrastructure. A framework is proposed for
using these models to suitthe requirements of mobile infrastructure management
systems. In addition, a new taxonomy of navigation methods and
support tools suitable for engineering applications in UVEs is addressed. Also,
a novel GIS-based approach for usability testing of these methods and tools
is proposed in which user behavior is analyzed while they navigate UVEs. This
book is addressed to engineers, computer scientists and researchers involved
in designing and using UVEs for engineering applications.