Exploring the application of virtual reality technology in surveying and mapping archives

Firstly, this paper introduces the concept and main characteristics of the virtual reality technology (VR), and enumerates its applications in various fields. Secondly, requirements of using VR in surveying and mapping archives are presented by analyzing the shortcomings of traditional workflow of Chinese surveying and mapping archives. Thirdly, we develop the key methods and technologies to build a virtual warehouse management system, which can help the staff complete their daily work on a three-dimensional scene. And finally, we make a conclusion of this information system after applying it to the National Surveying and Mapping Archive of China for one year.