THE NEXT DIMENSION: VIRTUAL REALITY IS TRANSFORMING CAD MODELS INTO MOVING WORLDS
Virtual reality has moved from the video arcade to A/E/C firms. Architectural and engineering firms are creating virtual walk-throughs of construction projects for prospective clients--all before any ground is broken. This article explains the technology behind the virtual walk-through, exploring the interactive, real-time, and immersive nature of the virtual experience. For some companies the cost of such elaborate systems to compete for work is prohibitive; other companies believe the new technology is what gives them the competitive edge. Several examples of the virtual walk-through are provided, including one for a bridge project for the New York Department of Transportation that includes a 5-km stretch of road, moveable rolling bascule bridge, four designs of a roadside noise barrier, moving vehicles, a ship, and the surrounding community.
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Availability:
- Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/08919526
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Corporate Authors:
McGraw-Hill, Incorporated
330 West 42nd Street
New York, NY United States 10036 -
Authors:
- Phair, M
- Publication Date: 1996-6-17
Language
- English
Media Info
- Features: Figures; Photos;
- Pagination: p. 24
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Serial:
- ENR
- Volume: 236
- Issue Number: 24
- Publisher: McGraw-Hill, Incorporated
- ISSN: 0891-9526
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Competition; Computer graphics; Costs; Highway design; Real time control; Structural design; Technological innovations; Virtual reality
- Uncontrolled Terms: Interactive graphics
- Old TRIS Terms: Real-time systems; Walk through
- Subject Areas: Design; Finance; Highways; Planning and Forecasting; I21: Planning of Transport Infrastructure;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 00730010
- Record Type: Publication
- Files: TRIS
- Created Date: Dec 29 1997 12:00AM