Microsoft says its integration of Photosynth into Virtual Earth “marks an important step in enabling businesses to use Photosynth in a relevant, customer-friendly way.”
It is the first release of Photosynth technology designed to enable businesses to use Photosynth in commercial applications, the company says.
Photosynth analyzes and combines multiple photographs into a 3D model, called a synth.
Virtual Earth integrates online mapping and search services with birds-eye view photos, 3D imagery, and aerial and satellite shots. The combo will “bring location to life” as customers will be able to create detailed 3D views of anything from places to products, and from hotels to homes, according to Microsoft.
The commercial update includes new controls that enable users to decide where and how they share synths by making synths public or unlisted on www.photosynth.net. This allows organizations to manage the availability and access to synths, giving greater control of the visual representation of their places and premises. Synths can now include user-defined highlights to showcase images and improve navigation.
One prominent user – NASA – is showcasing an interactive collection of the International Space Station, as well as the next Mars rover. The synths are based on hundreds of photographs.
“The space station pictures are not simulations or graphic representations, but actual images taken recently by astronauts while in orbit, NASA says. “Although you’re not flying 220 miles above the Earth at 17,500 miles an hour, it allows you to navigate and view amazing details of the real station as though you were there.”
NASA isn’t only working with Microsoft, however. The U.S. space agency will join with IMAX Corp. and Warner Bros. Pictures to film the final space shuttle mission servicing the Hubble Space Telescope.
The Atlantis is set to launch this week, and the crew will conduct five spacewalks for the repairs.
The Hubble Space Telescope mission in 3D movie is scheduled for release in spring 2010.
May 11, 2009
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