Introduction to Virtual Geographic Environments(VGE)

Thu, 10 May 2007 15:35:29 GMT

Introduction to Virtual Geographic Environments

GONG Jianhua

Institute of Remote Sensing ApplicationsChinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing ,China

Email:jianhuagong@sina.com

Homepage：http://www.vgelab.org

1 Definition of VGE
A virtual geographic environment (VGE) is a multi-user shared,intelligent, virtual environment representing the real geographic environment to conduct geo-spatial analysis, to carry out geo-visualization, to support collaborative work, planning and decision making, as well as to serve for training, geographic education, and entertainment.

2 VGE Modeling and Simulation

Examples

•Spatial (Geometric) Modeling;

•Geo-Process Simulation ;

•Behavior Simulation;

•Support Dialogue and Planning.

3 Current VGE Research

Topics

•Modeling of Very Large Geographic Environments for Distributed VGE (Compression Algorithms, LOD, etc.)

•Streammedia incorporated into the multi-media VGE for Collaboration

•Grid-based VGE Systems for handling complex geo-problems

•Distance and Collaborative Visualization in VGE

•Intelligent VGE ( Agents, Handling of a large volume of messagesbetween agents )

•Visual data mining and Geo-Knowledge Discovery

•VGE for Augmented Reality (Mobile mixed reality )

•Spatial Cognition and Collective Thinking

•VGE for establishing digital city

•VGE for supporting crisis (emergency) management , environmentalassessment of large project, etc.