SimulatorMetaverses Matter - and matter more when open source
Both as development platform and as interactive expression of real-life spatial information, the rise of immersive 3D computer graphics or metaverses should be neither ignored nor dismissed.
In December 2006, Second Spatial undertook a proof-of-concept that precise information from geographic information systems (GIS) and field mapping can be coalesced into a metaverse purpose-built to enhance delivery of administrative and regulatory services by local government.
The platforms chosen for this project include Linden Lab's Second Life, a commercial metaverse accessible worldwide via a free viewer, and OpenSimulator.org simulators running on Ubuntu Linux with Mono.
In 2007, a great deal of media coverage of the Seond Life platform emphasized economic, social, and business activity. Even yet in 2008, little involvement from the geospatial community in simulators has been so public. Perhaps it is obvious that the mix of grid computing, physics engine and spatial data that are metaverses is becoming powerful, popular, and well-poised to disrupt the geospatial industry.
Against the possibility that too few in the geospatial community are enthusiasts of any metaverse, SIMGIS is pleased to offer our proof-of-concept project to the world. May it inspire conversations or even talking points toward the day when the geospatial community grows courage to propose locally implemented metaverses.
The projecct name BERKURODAM is based on three influences:
Berk = borrowed syllable from Berkeley, California
-urodam = suffix of the miniature Dutch town Madurodam
bucur = (pronunciation) a Romanian root suggesting gladness
In Second Life, the Berkurodam project is located here.
Read Darb Dabney's Second Life GIS blog
Check out Berkurodam BART 1:3 scale station via SLURL
Berkurodam BART entry area(if you have SL client running)
Already in Second Life and interested?
Join SIMGIS
