Firstly, the project allows users to experience a photorealistic and interactive virtual environment of a section of Stanley Park, namely Prospect Point.
Secondly, the project will be released as an open-source project, complete with documentation and a wiki. Then others can benefit from the existing framework to create their own virtual experiences.
To model the semi-realistic environment, we used a method called Photogrammetry. In layman’s terms, we took 20,000 photos of the desired location and let a software build up a model. After further simplification and cleanup of the model, it becomes what you see currently.
If you wish to further learn about this topic, refer to this in-depth guide to photogrammetry written by Metanaut, the mentors of the project.
[Click here to view (google doc)](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1UyUrTLm6t_5IHcvABwkONOL4VwfsBHHjzIQSE_bq-Vw/edit)
The initial idea for the project was conceived in early 2016. The development only officially begun in the latter half of 2016, and continued until the end of 2017, going through multiple phases.
Phase 0.1: 2016.09 – 2016.12
A couple of students began concept work. Work done during this period was mostly archived.
Phase 0.11:2017.01 – 2017.04
Project was extended to around 10 student volunteers found via AMS Game Development Association. Began working on separate interactive implementations.
Phase 1: 2017.04 - 2017.08
Metanaut hired as mentors for the project. Select student volunteers and student WorkLearns working on the project. Weekly meetings and more structured project management. A large chunk of the project was done during this phase.
Phase 2: 2017.09 – 2017.12
One student WorkLearn hired to finish up the project in terms of optimization, bug fixes, and documentation (wink wink).
The first course of action would be to run through the tutorial provided! With clear narration and step by step teaching, it should get you up and running in no time.
For specific instructions, refer to the individual wiki pages listed to the side.