Introduction To 3D Modelling And Immersive Virtual Reality

Timetable

The course starts on xxx in computer room no. xxx. Google Maps coordinates of the computer room no. xxx (52.463579, 16.941798)

xxx - xxx - practical classes in computer room no. xxx
xxx - xxx - lecture in room no. 316 (3rd floor)

Address: Department of Geographical and Geological Sciences (Krygowskiego 10 street)

Module aim (aims)

The module aims to show and teach participants the basics of 3D modelling and the implementation of created 3D models into an immersive virtual reality environment. Created 3D environments will be designed and optimised to display on desktop monitors and Head-Mounted Displays, e.g. Meta Quest 3. We will use A-Frame (https://aframe.io) a web framework for building 3D/VR/AR experiences. It enables the making of 3D worlds with HTML and Entity-Component System on VR headsets, mobile and desktop.  During the course, students will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience using different HMD’s e.g. Meta Qeust 3, Meta Quest Pro, Oculus Quest 2, Oculus Go, Google Cardboard

Video: https://youtu.be/5tz25UDCMQU

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

Syllabus

Lecture 1: 3D modelling and reality-virtuality continuum and why should we care?
Lecture 2: History of 3D modelling and virtual reality
Lecture 3: What is immersion and how to create it?
Lecture 4: Human perception in immersive virtual reality - the sense of sight
Lecture 5: Human perception in immersive virtual reality - the sense of hearing and touch
Lecture 6: Human perception in immersive virtual reality - the sense of smell and taste
Lecture 7: eXtended Reality (XR) development - where to go next

Practical classes 1 and 2: Installation and interface of the SketchUp 3D modelling software
Practical classes 3 and 4: Toolboxes, basic 2D/3D shapes
Practical classes 5 and 6: Grouping and components, advanced 3D shapes and texturing
Practical classes 7 and 8: “My dream house” - students own work using acquired earlier 3D modelling skills
Practical classes 9 and 10: Basics of A-Frame framework
Practical classes 11-13: Interactions and animations in A-Frame
Practical classes 14 and 15: 3D model implementation to the immersive virtual reality system

Reading list

Halik Ł., Kent A.J., 2023, Extended Realities (XR), in: The Routledge Handbook of Geospatial Technologies and Society, Ed. Alexander J. Kent, Doug Specht, Routledge, 236-245. ISBN-13: 978-0367855765, DOI: 10.4324/9780367855765.

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

SketchUp: https://learn.sketchup.com/track/sketchup-fundamentals-part-1