Interaction in virtual world views-linking 3D GIS with VR

To support 3D GIS interaction within VR-environments we propose a multi-view approach based on three types of visualization: plan view, model view and world view. The visualization in these views ranges from a conventional map, through a partly symbolic and simplified 3D representation to a full immersive and photo-realistic 3D display. The views can be used simultaneously or intermittently, and each provides a repertoire of interaction possibilities that are apt but not necessarily limited to that view. We are currently developing a 3D GIS&VR system (Karma VI) based on existing GIS and VR technology that uses the three views to support the design, development and presentation of large infrastructure plans in The Netherlands. Operational use of this system showed that the multi-view approach leads to a more sophisticated understanding of those plans.