Developing a global repository and showplace for imagery data

This paper describes the development of a Web service that provides a 3D (three-dimensional) (VRML (Virtual Reality Modelling Language)) virtual environment for automated management and exhibition of imagery data. With this service, users can upload imagery data (such as images, videos and presentations) through a Web browser, and the data will be automatically placed into virtual galleries, cinemas and studios. The environment modifies itself dynamically to accommodate addition and deletion of imagery data. The service empowers ordinary users to utilize the Internet as a global data repository and showplace and provides an intuitive and stimulating way to visualize and explore large volumes of imagery data. It removes the burden of nontrivial management of large volumes of data, including ontological organization of users files and geometrical design of the virtual environment. The service also introduces several interesting and useful metaphors, such as virtual archives and space-warp tram that cohere with the imagery world.