3D Model 

The RBG 3D Model is a VRML (Virtual Reality Modelling Language) model, that allows users to gain an understanding of the terrain at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne site. In order to view the model you will need to install (quick and easy!) a plug-in such as Pivoron, download Pivoron player (external website), or Cortona download Cortona (external website).

Data used for 3D model

The 3D-terrain model consists of the following represented data:

Co-ordinates used in both models: Australian Mapping Grid Landscape model: SW point 321550, 5810500; SE point 321550, 5811500; NE point 322550, 5811500; NW point 322550, 5810500

WCG model: SW point 322300, 5810800; SE point 322400, 5810800; NE 322400, 5810900; NW 322300, 5810900

• Digital Orthophoto produced from low fly-over in August 2001, high resolution scan
• Linked illustrative plants lists, descriptions and images from Water Conservation Garden

Software used

• AutoCAD 2002: development of digital terrain model
• Photoshop: file conversion and image preparation of digital Orthophoto, web images
• Homesite: development of WebPages
• 3D Studio Viz: animation software for terrain models, (cameras, lighting, positioning of Orthophoto), file conversion to virtual reality modeling language (vrml format)
• CosmoWorld software: free 3D interactive viewing software, downloaded from Internet Development

The original 3D model of the Royal Botanic Gardens was created from the combination of 10m and 1m contour data (0.5m contours for the Water Conservation Garden). External contours of the nearby landscape were suitably interpolated, if there was no overlap as internal RBG data was more accurately surveyed than areas surrounding the Gardens. The terrain model was then manipulated by multiplying the height information factor by 3.5, which makes interpretation of the landscape easier. The Water Conservation Garden height information multiplication factor is 2.

To decrease file size the model needed to be further manipulated, which effected some calculated triangles representing areas looking unrepresentative when zooming in. This mainly occurs in areas out side the Gardens.

Exploration

To guide users a number of viewpoints have been pre-set at key locations in order to help the user to understand the landscape and location of the selected collection.

Some viewpoints set include:

• Vistas of the gardens from SE, N, E, W, S compass points
• A 'birds eye view' (at ca.30m above model) of the Water Conservation Garden
• Vistas from N, E, W, S compass points of the Water Conservation Garden

Users will be able to "manipulate" the terrain to freely explore other elements and places modeled in the virtual environment.

View the Royal Botanic Gardens' VRML Model.

About the Project

3D VRML development by Jon Sago (jsago@hotmail.com) Web design and development by Sabine Glissmann-Gough (Sabine.Glissmann-Gough@rbg.vic.gov.au) and Jon Sago Project management, 3D terrain models and digital Orthophotos by Sabine Glissmann-Gough Plant photos and information by David Cash