Robotic 360/spl deg/ photography for virtual site visits

Abstract

A robotic photographic method has been developed for use in outdoor locations such as construction sites, to provide 360/spl deg/ panoramic visual database material for representation of a virtual site, together with the software for authoring and delivery of the material to users via the Internet. A portable digital photographic system thus built can take a 360/spl deg/ panorama photograph in digital form within minutes. The Java software package can present an image in an efficient and effective "video" style with full dynamic "hyperlink" support.