iEarth Education Research Publication Series

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Project: There and back again: Svalbard and Beyond Edition

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Authors: Rafael Kenji Horota

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Funding from iEarth: 50 000 NOK in 2021

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VR Svalbard offers an extraordinary opportunity to explore the breathtaking landscapes of Svalbard, using desktop virtual reality (VR) technology. What sets this project apart is its utilization of high-quality drone photospheres, providing users with a bird's-eye view of Svalbard's stunning terrain that is integrated as virtual tours into a webGIS service with map layers and digital outcrop models (DOM). By harnessing the immersive power of desktop VR and the unique perspective of drone photography, VR Svalbard offers a remarkable virtual tour experience of this Arctic region.

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Explore Svalbard with VR-technology here

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Read the publication by Rafael et al., 2024 here (Downloadable PDF)

https://doi.org/10.3997/1365-2397.fb2024029

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Immersive Exploration:

With the integration of drone photospheres, VR Svalbard delivers an immersive exploration experience. Users can navigate through the virtual environment, smoothly transitioning between different locations and appreciating the scale and beauty of Svalbard's landscapes from above. The realistic visuals and seamless transitions enhance the sense of presence, making users feel as if they are physically soaring over the Arctic terrain.

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Detailed Environmental Representation:

The high-quality drone photospheres incorporated into VR Svalbard offer an exceptional level of detail. Users can observe the topography, textures, and natural formations of Svalbard's landscape with remarkable clarity. The intricate details captured by the drones provide an accurate representation of the region, immersing users in an authentic virtual environment that closely mirrors the beauty of the Arctic.

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Enhanced Educational Experience:

The use of drone photospheres in VR Svalbard significantly enhances the educational value of the project. By exploring Svalbard's landscapes from a unique vantage point, users can grasp the scale and geographic features of the region more comprehensively. This detailed perspective facilitates a deeper understanding of the Arctic's geological processes, glacial formations, and the impact of climate change on the landscape.

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Inspiring Environmental Stewardship:

VR Svalbard's incorporation of drone photospheres contributes to its broader mission of fostering environmental awareness and stewardship. By showcasing the pristine beauty of Svalbard's landscapes, users are motivated to appreciate and protect these fragile ecosystems. The project aims to inspire a sense of responsibility and a desire to take action in preserving the Arctic's natural treasures for future generations.

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Conclusion:

VR Svalbard revolutionizes virtual exploration through its integration of high-quality drone photospheres, enabling users to experience Svalbard's breathtaking landscapes from a unique bird's-eye perspective. By leveraging desktop VR technology, this project immerses users in an engaging and educational virtual tour that highlights the grandeur and fragility of the Arctic region. Through the use of drone photography, VR Svalbard invites users to become advocates for the conservation of Svalbard's stunning landscapes and the preservation of our planet's remarkable natural heritage.