Abstract
Abstract. In the context of this paper, a virtual reality application that allows each user to perform basic topographic processes on an already created 3D model inside a virtual environment was developed. Specifically, it is an application that allows the user to perform measurements of distances between two points in three-dimensional space and measurement and extraction of the three-dimensional coordinates of any point inside the virtual reality environment. Furthermore, the created application was evaluated in terms of its functionality, its usability and metric accuracy. Before the developing stage a research was done in order to determine which virtual reality system and which game engine is most suitable to use and finally the HTC Vive® virtual reality system and the Unreal Engine 4 game engine were used. Before all that, the concept of the virtual reality science was defined and also the virtual reality technologies in today's world were analyzed.
Highlights
1.1 Virtual RealityIn 1986, Lanier, in one of his interviews, defined Virtual Reality (VR) as: “An interactive, 3-dimensional environment, that is generated by a computer and a person can be immersed in it”
After testing Unity's spatial entities detecting system, called, Raycasting, it was observed that due to this arbitrary separation of the model into smaller models the detection system did not detect them correctly due to their “peel” shape (Figure 2). This problem would not allow for the further development and coding of the application so it was decided to use the Unreal Engine platform that could provide a better manipulation for complex 3D models
With Blueprints programming, the user is relieved of the need to use a specific editor and syntax for his code to work, since the Unreal Engine 4 undertakes to translate its virtual programming into real code
Summary
In 1986, Lanier, in one of his interviews, defined Virtual Reality (VR) as: “An interactive, 3-dimensional environment, that is generated by a computer and a person can be immersed in it”. Today VR can be defined as a computer science branch that uses headphones and special equipment combined with real or natural spaces and multiple projection environments in order to create and replicate realistic images, sounds and senses to an immersed user These state-of-the-art virtual reality systems can be:. A Virtual Reality application is described, which allows users to conduct basic topographic measurements on an already created 3D textured high resolution model. This application was developed in an immersive virtual reality environment. The capabilities of all four systems are similar, with the HTC Vive® outperforming the others because it can provide virtual reality experience at room scale. To conclude, taking into account all the above, the HTC Vive® was chosen, as it had the advantage of better support and documentation and the provision of virtual reality experiences at room scale
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: The International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
