Serra da Estrela Virtual Reality System
Caixa D' Imagens participates in the development of the Serra da Estrela Virtual Reality System (SRV-SE) for Ceia Municipality to be part of the Interpretation Center (CISE) of this important natural area.
SRV-SE is a multimedia system that allows users to make a virtual visit in real time to Serra da Estrela Natural Park, exploring and visualizing 3D content of this very important natural and cultural place of Portugal. This system will be available at CISE in multimedia kiosks developed especially for this purpose. CISE is a very important instrument for the execution of Seia Municipality’s environment policy, whose main activities are the interpretation of Serra da Estrela Natural Park, investigation support and the promotion of sustainable Nature Tourism.
Caixa D' Imagens has a key role in this project, being responsible for the following areas:
|
|
3D Virtual Models
The 3D models were generated Geographical information acquired to develop a Geographic Information System (GIS).
Most models are the result of three-dimensional meshes generated from the altimetry information and their optimisation for real time navigation. Over these meshes it was overlaid satellite or ortho imagery. However, in models consisting mainly of built heritage, detailed 3D modelling was made using, among other things, a collection of high-resolution photography, followed by on site measuring and consultation of project elements (when available).
For the SRV-SE project Caixa D' Imagens produced 20 three-dimensional models of specific locations at Serra da Estrela (spots of interest). To make this possible, it was necessary to get high-definition photos of each spot (sometimes more than 1200 photos in each one). Also, specific satellite/ortho imagery and digital terrain models were used. Then 3D modelling was created, followed by texturing, illumination and virtual model optimisation for real time navigation.
Two types of spots of interest were created: Historical and Landscape sites.
In 3D models of Historical sites the user can navigate at ground level in real time (the texture resolution can go up to 1 cm per pixel). 3D modelling detail is concentrated mainly on the architectural forms of the building itself (i.e., castle, church, etc.), however it includes also a simplified 3D model of the surrounding buildings or vegetation. Sometimes is possible to ear and see movement of certain elements (i.e. at the mill). Also, sometimes is possible to interact with the 3D model (i.e. open the entrance gate). The creation of virtual historical sires, results from the combination of 2D and 3D information, sound and movement.
At Landscape sites, with bigger navigation area, the virtual visit is usually on the air. In this sites, due to their size, the 3D models can not have as much detail, but some 3D modelling was produced of the most significant volumes in the site. To complement the information, several 360 degree panoramas were produced (real image with spherical mapping that allows 360 degree navigation from one fixed point) for the most significant places in each site. In each spot of interest the user will be able to find up to four 360 degree panoramas with local sound integration.
List of the 3D Virtual Models Produced
 |
|
 |
| City council of Seia |
|
Peixão Lagoon,
Candieira Valley |
| |
|
|
 |
|
 |
| Ponte de Jugais Hydroelectric-power Central |
|
Socalcos of Loriga |
| |
|
|
 |
|
 |
| Covilhã Museum of Wool manufacturing |
|
Field of Blocos Erráticos, Lagoa Comprida |
| |
|
|
 |
|
 |
| Church of N. Sra. do Rosário, Valezim |
|
Linhares Castle |
| |
|
|
 |
|
 |
| Covão Cimeiro |
|
Mill of
Jugais Bridge |
| |
|
|
 |
|
 |
| Valley of Caniça, Moreias Glaciers |
|
Church of Misericórdia, Chapel of S. Pedro, Seia |
| |
|
|
 |
|
 |
| Valley of Zêzere |
|
Sé da Guarda |
| |
|
|
 |
|
 |
Rua dos
Mercadores , Torre |
|
Cascade of Fervença, Sabugueiro |
| |
|
|
 |
|
 |
| Hydroelectric-power central office of Sra. do Desterro |
|
Throat of Loriga, Lagoons |
| |
|
|
 |
|
 |
| Village of Cabeça |
|
Martins Corral,
Hermínios Bark |
|
|
