VROffice: Interactive and immersive 3D visualization, manipulation and correlation of multivariable georeferenced datasets in virtual reality (demo paper)

Abstract

In conventional work environments, visualization and integration of correlated data has always been limited by the amount of software windows a regular PC can display. On the other hand, immersive virtual environments present possibilities of interaction that fit scalable and adaptable three-dimensional space, allowing the integration of different types of data, and relating information. This article describes VROffice, an immersive virtual reality office to handle and correlate georeferenced data. VROffice is an immersive and interactive virtual reality office used to handle and correlate georeferenced data, providing access to 2D and 3D elements (i.e rocks, lab samples, organisms) organized as a virtual library. These objects work as data containers ready to store and display data from its location. In the virtual office, data is visualized in a way that allows different forms of interactions, such as observation, free-hand manipulation, inspection of details and object location in a 3D georeferenced space. Users can also organize datasets, perform analysis between different types of objects, combine characteristics, and interpret data in a Geographic Information System (GIS) environment. It enables different forms of interaction with potential to improve insights over observations, instantly turning multivariable datasets into intuitive immersive displays. Different forms ofinteraction, as well as UI (user interface) and UX (user experience) decisions have been customized to ensure that the experience in using the system is as comfortable as possible. Therefore, in order to demonstrate the possibilities of its use, case studies were created in two different fields of knowledge, geology and biology, which have georeferenced data available.