We have been experimenting with a new way of showing users around - using 360º photography and Pano2VR software.

How we used to do it

Traditionally, when we want to explain what is ‘in the view’ at a great lookout location, we create a sign, something like this - Mt Donald McLean in the Waitakere Ranges:

But what if you could have this - Stockade Hill, Howick:

Not just for outdoor views

These panoramas are a nice way to avoid putting signs everywhere. But there are more options - you can show people what they normally can’t see. At Scandrett Regional Park you’ll usually find the red sheds all locked up, but what is inside?

The main barn has lots of remnants of the farming history of this cute little park on the Mahurangi Harbour. But normally you can’t see any of it. We used a 360º panoramic photo to show what’s there. A small interpretive sign shows the way:

Trial and error

We used Garden Gnome’s Pano2VR software and the mid range GoPro Fusion 360º camera to create these interactive panorama trials, and they are hosted on our own server. Much better results can be achieved with high-end cameras, custom coding, video content and embedding in your own web pages. The area of Augmented Reality and Virtual reality is developing fast and new technology pops up all the time. Great potential here, and worth considering, but be ready to change tack when new software, hardware or platform conditions require this.

Contact Jan Ramp if you would like to discuss the options.