Computer Scientists at the University of Southern California are working on an application embedding real-time data in online maps. What they call geo-immersion is a technology that will go significantly further than previous generations of mashups. Based on everyday on-line mapping services like Google Maps, the folks at South Carolina had the idea to capture information from the real world and render it into virtual data thus, creating a 3D image of reality. To do so, developers are tapping into various databases and use information from social networks.
The World on Your Screen
One example of the product emerging in the end is called “Clever Transportation”, an application that uses the real-time data flow of modern traffic management systems to calculate routes while simultaneously considering the standard traffic in the respective area at that particular time of day. While that might seem almost trivial in comparison to what already exists on the market, you might want to check out the application “iCampus”. This little piece of electronic art allows users to immerse themselves in 3D models of buildings, floor by floor. Remember that Facebook widget from college, where you could check out where exactly your friends were sitting in the library? Now you can get a 3D version via the geo-data included in their Twitter or Facebook statuses.
If you are a fan of public transportation, the software developed at South Caroline also allows you to track your bus home via its GPS data – in real time of course, integrated into the map. No more waiting around in the rain.
A third application, called ’iWatch’, is more interesting for police or security companies. The maps include the recordings from surveillance cameras, so you can virtually walk, say across a parking a lot, without ever leaving the car. More time for Donuts, Big Brother is watching.
1 comment
enhappybync says:
January 28, 2012 at 12:10 am (UTC 0)
Hello! Just want to say thank you for this interesting article! =) Peace, Joy.