eXtended Reality (XR) and 3D modelling

Timetable

The course starts on the 17th of March 2022 (Thursday) at 8 a.m. in computer room no. 20 (Krygowskiego 10 street - Collegium Geographicum)

Module aim (aims)

The aim of the module is to expand students’ knowledge about immersive virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), both of which can be included as types of eXtended Reality (XR). We are going to answer where these two emerging technologies may be applied and what are their pros and cons. We are also going to address advanced issues of 3D modelling and implementation of created 3D models into a virtual reality environment which may be displayed in Head-Mounted Displays, e.g. Oculus Quest 2, Google Cardboard. During the course students will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience using HMD’s e.g. Oculus Quest 2, Oculus Go, Google Cardboard
VR example video : https://youtu.be/5tz25UDCMQU
AR example video : https://youtu.be/KbLzKGYeQi8

Pre-requisites in terms of knowledge, skills and social competences (where relevant)

This course is a continuation of the “Introduction to 3D modelling and immersive virtual reality”. The course participant should have basic knowledge of 3D modelling software (SketchUp/Blender 3D).

Syllabus

Lecture 1: eXtended Reality (XR) in the reality-virtuality continuum and why should we care?
Lecture 2: History of the virtual reality and augmented reality
Lecture 3: Human perception in eXtended Reality
Lecture 4: WebXR or native XR applications - pros and cons
Lecture 5: Comparison of consumer market XR hardware
Lecture 6: Advanced 3d modelling - texturing and lighting
Lecture 7: The future of eXtended Reality (XR)

Practical classes 1 and 2: Installation and interface of the Blender 3D modelling software
Practical classes 3 and 4: Toolboxes, basic 2D/3D shapes
Practical classes 5 and 6: Advanced 3D shapes and tools
Practical classes 7 and 8: Introduction to native and webXR frameworks (Unity3D, A-Frame)
Practical classes 9 and 10: Creation of virtual reality (VR) application
Practical classes 11 and 12: Creation of augmented reality (AR) application
Practical classes 13-15: Finishing touches for XR applications

Reading list

Halik Ł., Smaczyński M., 2018, Geovisualisation of relief in a virtual reality system on the basis of low aerial images., Pure and Applied Geophysics, 175, 9, 3209-3221

Halik Ł., 2018, Challenges in converting Polish topographic database of built-up areas into 3D virtual reality geovisualization, The Cartographic Journal; 55(4), 391-399

Blender: https://cloud.blender.org/p/blender-fundamentals/