CycloMedia
Encyclopedia
CycloMedia is a Dutch company specialised in the large-scale and systematic visualisation of environments based on 360° panoramic photographs. Using specialized technology, large public areas are photographed and stored in an online database. The images are captured from public roads at street level, using a car to carry the camera system.
The high resolution spherical panoramas are geometrically correct and thus allow the user to perform photogrammetric 3D measurements and use the imagery for 3D modelling and texture mapping. The panoramic photographs have been used for the construction of virtual environments, indoors as well as outdoors in the form of 3D city models. Furthermore, the imagery has been used for the quality control of large-scale maps.
The idea of 360° panoramic photography initially started at the Technical University of Delft. The foundation of CycloMedia was laid in 1980. The first research for a camera prototype, the FRANK-system, was carried out that year. In 1986 FRANK was established in ‘s-Hertogenbosch. In 1987 the first prototype of the camera was ready to make black and white recordings.
1991 - 2000
At the end of 1991 the development of a digital film scanner and computer-controlled measuring system started, that was commercially used a few years later. In 1992 the company moved to Vught. On October the 4th of 1994 the formal introduction of CycloMedia followed. In 1995 the first customer, the municipality of Rotterdam was completely recorded. In 1999 CycloMedia moved to Waardenburg
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2001 - 2004
Hereafter the era comes of digital full colour photography. Late nineties the development of a new, digital system starts. This system, the Digital Cyclorama Recorder (DCR) 2, is taken in use as from 2001.
2005 - the present
In July 2005 CycloMedia takes a new production system DCR 3 in use. Moreover there is a portable system as a result of which it is possible to make recordings at locations that a car cannot reach. In 2006 the company again started to build a photo database of the Netherlands. Furthermore new developments in the field of camera technology (DCR 7, to make recordings while driving) started and also the developments around 3D are progressing.
The high resolution spherical panoramas are geometrically correct and thus allow the user to perform photogrammetric 3D measurements and use the imagery for 3D modelling and texture mapping. The panoramic photographs have been used for the construction of virtual environments, indoors as well as outdoors in the form of 3D city models. Furthermore, the imagery has been used for the quality control of large-scale maps.
History
1980 - 1990The idea of 360° panoramic photography initially started at the Technical University of Delft. The foundation of CycloMedia was laid in 1980. The first research for a camera prototype, the FRANK-system, was carried out that year. In 1986 FRANK was established in ‘s-Hertogenbosch. In 1987 the first prototype of the camera was ready to make black and white recordings.
1991 - 2000
At the end of 1991 the development of a digital film scanner and computer-controlled measuring system started, that was commercially used a few years later. In 1992 the company moved to Vught. On October the 4th of 1994 the formal introduction of CycloMedia followed. In 1995 the first customer, the municipality of Rotterdam was completely recorded. In 1999 CycloMedia moved to Waardenburg
Waardenburg
Waardenburg is a town in the Dutch province of Gelderland. It is a part of the municipality of Neerijnen, and lies about 13 km west of Tiel.Waardenburg was a separate municipality until 1978, when it was merged with Neerijnen....
.
2001 - 2004
Hereafter the era comes of digital full colour photography. Late nineties the development of a new, digital system starts. This system, the Digital Cyclorama Recorder (DCR) 2, is taken in use as from 2001.
2005 - the present
In July 2005 CycloMedia takes a new production system DCR 3 in use. Moreover there is a portable system as a result of which it is possible to make recordings at locations that a car cannot reach. In 2006 the company again started to build a photo database of the Netherlands. Furthermore new developments in the field of camera technology (DCR 7, to make recordings while driving) started and also the developments around 3D are progressing.
See also
- Google MapsGoogle MapsGoogle Maps is a web mapping service application and technology provided by Google, free , that powers many map-based services, including the Google Maps website, Google Ride Finder, Google Transit, and maps embedded on third-party websites via the Google Maps API...
- Google EarthGoogle EarthGoogle Earth is a virtual globe, map and geographical information program that was originally called EarthViewer 3D, and was created by Keyhole, Inc, a Central Intelligence Agency funded company acquired by Google in 2004 . It maps the Earth by the superimposition of images obtained from satellite...
- Immersive MediaImmersive MediaImmersive Media Company is a digital imaging company specializing in spherical immersive video. The parent company Immersive Ventures is headquartered in Kelowna, British Columbia with Immersive Media Company offices in Dallas, Texas.- History :...
- Eye2eye SoftwareEye2eye SoftwareEye2eye Software Ltd is a UK educational software publisher which has systematically photographed Britain in 360 degree panoramas and stills, publishing the collection as the school resource and home reference Eye2eye Britain...
- MapJackMapJackMapJack is a map feature introduced in 2007 that is similar to Google Street View, but has less coverage than Google Street View though much better image quality. Its current headquarters is in Hong Kong, and is in the beta stages. The site currently provides these types of views of various...
- Location ViewLocation ViewLocation View is an interactive website developed by Tokyo-based company LocationView Co. offering registered users a street-level view of selected cities in Japan. It features 360-degree horizontal and 180-degree vertical panning, zoom, and virtual mobility in which the user can control speed...
- EveryScapeEveryScapeEveryScape is an online mapping service that allows its users to view panoramic images from various locations. The site currently has images of 47 cities and towns:...
- Live Maps
External links
- CycloMedia
- OTN Article on CycloMedia: Authorizing Access to Dynamic Spatial-Temporal Data
- ACM Article on CycloMedia: Interactive navigation services through value-added CycloMedia panoramic images
- GIM International Article on CycloMedia: Small Company, Big Ambitions
- GeoConnection Article on CycloMedia: CycloMedia appoints new CTO and CSO