Current features
		Visualisation
		View your GIS and CAD data simultaneously in 2D, 2.5D and 3D views.
		Link 3D CAD models to a 2D or 3D GIS dataset. A single CAD model can represent a group of GIS objects.
		Scale and rotate CAD model to fit the GIS object boundaries (footprint).
		Save CAD model file location, position and scaling parameters with the associated GIS data in the database (SDE).
		Load and display Triangular Irregular Networks (TIN) terrain surfaces.
		Link texture bitmaps to 2D/3D GIS objects and TIN terrain surfaces.
		Position GIS objects with their CAD models on top of a TIN terrain surface.
		Play fly-through animations defined by user.
		Use CrystalEyes glasses to view your data in full stereo.
		Export your 3D world to VRML.
		Navigation
		Fly to a user defined point in the 3D world.
		Walk on the terrain surfaces (terrain following).
		Experimental 3D user interface widgets.
		Manipulation
		Move and rotate individual or groups of GIS objects and save the changes in the GIS database (SDE).
		Delete individual or groups of GIS objects in the GIS database (SDE).
		Create new 2D and 3D GIS objects from 3D CAD models.
		GIS Analysis
		Identify individual GIS objects in the three different views.
		Select GIS objects within a user-defined range using a 2D spatial buffer algorithm.
		Measure distances in 3D space.
		System
		Client/server application. Karma is a client on the Spatial Database Engine by ESRI.
		Cross platform: runs on NT, SGI, SUN and HP.

	Future features
		Visualisation
		Fully animated and interactive simulation in the world view.
		Handle multiple scenarios for a single area of interest.
		Position a group of CAD models on a single GIS object.
		Manipulation
		Intelligent, constraint based modelling of GIS objects.
		GIS Analysis
		3D sound contours.
		3D line of sight.
		3D buffer.
		Volume calculation.
		Shadow contours.
		Many more features to come...

Background

KARMA vI is a product of the 3D GIS & Virtual Reality project, funded by the Dutch Land Water Enviroment Information Technology (LWI) foundation. The LWI programme combines knowledge from the civil engineering, town and country planning, environmental information and information technology sectors. By combining this knowledge in information based products the participants in the LWI programme are able to participate in the design, construction and management of major infrastructure products and maintain or expand their share of the market. This project is a joined effort of eight companies and research institutes to investigate possible applications of (3D) Geografic Information Systems and Virtual Reality. The project started in August 1997 and has an intended time frame of two years. In the first year the research will be focused on defining possible applications and designing and developing a 3D GIS & VR prototype system. The second year will be used to tune and introduce the system in two major infrastructure projects in the Netherlands. The main objective of this project is to develop a system for modelling, manipulation and analysis of spatial (GIS) data from within a Virtual Reality Environment. One of the key features of the system will be the ability to manipulate the GIS data through the Virtual Reality interface in real time. The final 3D GIS & VR system has to be an operational tool that can be used during the realization of two major infrastructure projects in the Netherlands. Participants in this project are: Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences - Delft University of Technology Faculty of Information Technology and Systems - Delft University of Technology Asset Forestry Limited TNO Physics and Electronics Laboratory CrossWorlds Holland Railconsult Survey Department Academic Computing Services Amsterdam (SARA) International Institute for Aerospace and Earth Sciences (ITC)

Last update:
18-06-1999