Conventional 2D maps are limiting in their capabilities. Using 3D geospatial holograms for commercial and government applications makes much more sense. Arial photos and 3D physical models take the experience far beyond and offer better planning. Complex environments can be understood and explored easily using geospatial holograms and they work better than 2D maps.
Before we dive into geospatial holograms, let’s get a basic idea of holography.
Understanding Holography
Holography is the technique of making holograms. Holograms are images in 3D and are capable of showing depth, unlike regular images. It captures interference patterns between two or more rays of light. Simply put, a hologram is a photogenic recording of a light field and not an image formed by the lens.
A hologram is a physical recording of an interference pattern that relies on diffraction to produce a 3D light field, which in turn results in an image that can show depth and other features of an original scene.
Holography is the science of making holograms. A hologram can reflect 3D images of a person, non-living things, landscapes, and so much more.
What is Geospatial?
The term geospatial has recently been making a lot of noise. It’s a technique that is used to define the collective data and the associated technology has geographical or location-based features.
This means that the records in data have some location information or contain geographic data. These can be:
- Coordinates
- Address
- City
- Zip codes
GIS data is a type of geospatial data, and other geospatial data can originate from other GPS data, satellite images, and geotagging.
Geospatial technology refers to all the technology that is used to collect, manipulate, and geographical data. GIS is also a type of geospatial technology. Some examples of geospatial technology include:
- GPS
- Remote Sensing
- Geofencing
There are a huge number of services in the geospatial domain. Here are the most frequent and important services that use geospatial technologies.
1. Aerial Imagery Services
Aerial imagery is often used in cartography, land-use planning, archeology, environmental studies, and more.
2. Oblique Imagery Services
Oblique imagery services are a type of aerial imagery that’s captured at a 45-degree angle with the ground. The angle allows viewers to see and measure the top and sides of the object at the same time. Oblique imagery is more than often used in the tourism industry, mining, and smart city development projects.
3. LiDAR Surveys Light Detection and Ranging
It is a remote sensing method that examines the surface of the earth. The light pulses and other data recorded by an airborne system provide precise, clear 3D information about the shape of the Earth and its surface structures. LiDAR surveys are used in Mining and Smart Cities.
3D Holograms for Geospatial Data
A 3D model is crucial for understanding and visualizing places that it’s almost impossible for others to reach. In the 3D GIS fields, the modeling and visualization of 3D geographical scenes have been an important issue.
Researchers all across the world have been working tirelessly to create 3D models using data and software. Some work has focused on integrating building information modeling (BIM) and CAD models in the architecture and design domain to GIS.
To overcome the limitations, some work has been done to display the resulting 3D from external devices. With the growing success of hardware such as virtual reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) have been developed. MR is the perfect culmination of AR and VR.
MR can fix the virtual object in real space to offer people a sense of realism. Some of the best MR systems in the market right now include:
- Google Cardboard
- Microsoft HoloLens
- HTC Vive
- Facebook Oculus Rift
- Vision 3D’s Holo products
- Sony PlayStation
Features of 3D Data Technologies
1. Visualizes Huge 3D Models Instantly
No compromise between AREA and Detail view whether you’re planning an entire city or planet surface or the sea bed. You can instantly view and interact with a 3D model of the whole world at 1MM resolution.
2. Central Storage and Collaboration
Even with limited data bandwidth, you can host models centrally such as in the cloud. This solution allows multiple users to simultaneously access the 3D models anywhere, anytime. This can be the next step in the world of team collaborations. Ending the need the saving multiple copies
3. Works Smoothly on Low-Specs Hardware
To view and operate the 3D models, you don’t need high-end graphics hardware. With the advancement of technology, 3D data technologies can now work seamlessly on tablets, mobile phones, and other devices using the CPU itself. Recent developments have suggested that if the device detects graphics data, it can use the GPU acceleration for faster rendering.
Render 3D Data on Holographic Platforms
The latest technological developments have made it possible for 3D geospatial rendering on different hardware platforms that suits the needs. Each platform has its set of use cases. However, each platform comes with the power of rending 3D data in any format.
Available 3D holographic platforms are:
- Hologram Table
- Hologram Wall
- Hologram Room
Let’s break these down to see what each of them has to offer:
1. Hologram Table
As the name suggests, the hologram tables are large flat surfaces with an in-built projection system. The device is the perfect solution for projecting 3D geospatial data objects to make them look like they’re rising from the table of the surface. The table can project images up to 1.2 meters in the upwards direction. The business table can be used to show laser scans or photogrammetry models.
Users can zoom in to view the tiniest of details or zoom out to view the complete model. It can also be used to display polygon models such as CAD or architectural designs. Furthermore, the data can be integrated with the IoT devices so that real-time objects with data can be viewed on the 3D rendered model.
2. Hologram Wall
A hologram wall is a hardware marvel that looks like a window or portal that pushes into a wall. It makes it look like the 3D holograms are pushing out of the wall and filling the room. 3D hologram walls can be used for various industries such as:
- Mines
- Military
- Real Estate
- Engineering
3. Hologram Rooms
A hologram room is a huge room that’s made up completely of metal frames and fabric. Inside the rooms are the projectors and tracking equipment that project images that look like they’re floating in the air. The hologram room’s walls make the space look bigger on the inside as the walls seem invisible to give you the feeling that you’re outside.
The hologram room is used to show huge plans or CAD models on a life-size scale. You can project a hologram of a building, a city, or a particular terrain. Users can travel around the environment using a control wand and interact with holograms.