Based on the work performed during the first year (preparation of satellite imagery and aerial photographs, 3D visualization of the current landscape), major improvements could be achieved during the second year:
· Potential future land use changes were implemented in the visual database. This allowed a realistic representation of planned landscape modifications, and also of the future look of a specific landscape, depending on a particular planning scenario.
· In addition to 3D objects representing vegetation, buildings were realistically modelled. The geometry of each house in the area of interest was extracted from aerial photographs, while the texture of each front was photographed in situ. This allowed for a virtual construction of each building at its proper place, with its correct orientation, size and look.
· To further enhance the visual quality of the virtual world, the digital elevation model was modified along roads and around buildings to avoid steeply inclined roads running along a slope, and partly 'sunken' houses on the hillsides.
· Finally, weather satellite imagery were used to extract information about the characteristics and size of clouds at a particular date. This information was used to model a typical weather situation, and thus further enhance the visual quality of the virtual world.
Combining all the spatial data mentioned above, highly realistic visualizations could be computed, including:
· Still images of current and planned landscapes. Such images help planners, politicians, decision makers, and also the broad public to assess the visual impact of potential land use changes. This technology provides a sound basis to evaluate different planning scenarios long before the landscape actually changes.
· Animated sequences ('movies') are a very attractive way to promote ski areas, be it on the Internet, be it by other means of electronic communication. The positive feedbacks received from representatives of tourism
· Panoramic views can be used in the same way as movies to support public relations activities.
All three elements - still images, animated sequences, and panoramic views - form an integral part of the ski area Management Information System (MIS), the major result of the CARTESIAN project. Three MIS case studies for Les Arcs (F), Sion 2006 (CH), and Silvretta Nova (A) have been implemented and have been widely distributed on a CD-ROM. A selection of the project results can be found on the CARTESIAN Internet site at the following address:
http://www.cartesian.nl.
