Combining geographical and social dynamics in dynamic 3D environments

Abstract

Mapping our real world is a challenging task, mainly because it involves numerous dynamics within the contexts of physical and social environments. A dynamic map environment was developed in this chapter, to help us understand and manage our complex world in a more sustainable and resilient way. A conceptual architecture to integrate real environmental information and dynamic social activities was presented as three elements: 1) based on a collaborative virtual geographic environment with volunteered knowledge construction; 2) linking the dynamic environmental factors that are relevant to our everyday life; and 3) expanding the comprehensive social experience/activities of daily interactions and communications without the limitation of spatial and temporal constraints. Using the virtual campus map of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, we verify this hypothesis and present our initial design of an interactive dynamic environment. The results show that the dynamic map environment can give people visual and tangible access to real-time information about environmental dynamics, and help them to join in and interact with actual happenings, from their daily activities to purposeful cognition of the world. The research provides an insight into the development of a dynamic map environment, and plays an important role in developing an open research platform for virtual geography and campus-based social cognition.