Microsoft developed and released software a while back that strings together multiple images from a common location. For example, if you load 100 photos of the Parthenon, inside and out, you will be rewarded with a walk-through, 3D-style “tour” of the landmark.
A truly incredible software, the possibilities to depict a location are endless.
For example, the Inauguration of President Barack Obama, or virtually any major structure in the world.
How many 3D rendered stadiums have popped up on the internet in the last two years? Or the ability to show a static view from a seat location? What about a walk-through tour of, say, Disney’s Magic Kingdom … built from actual guest photos. The more photos submitted, the more detailed the 3D-style image becomes and the greater “walk-through” experience the user has. Imagine a “real” virtual tour of your favorite attraction.
While not new to the online world, Photosynth is beginning to sink some teeth into the marketplace and could be a worthwhile addition to your online arsenal in the storytelling of guest experience.
I love that when I clicked through to the Photosynth site I got this message:
“Still using IE6 I see. We’ve optimized Photosynth for Internet Explorer 7 and Firefox 3. You’re free to use IE6, but our site won’t look very good.”
Maybe someday Disney IT will catch us up to the point where we can fully take advantage of some of this cool online stuff.