Schwyz
Reality and computerised visual simulation

An empirical study about the degree of realism of virtual landscapes

Introduction

In planning rather abstract, two-dimensional representations are predominantly used, although the real world is three-dimensional. Besides traditional analogue visualisation techniques recently digital 3D-visualisations have also become more common. The validation of simulations of virtual landscapes regarding their degree of realism has so far been neglected in research.

The research project concentrates on the question whether, how, and to which degree the real visually perceived landscape, represented through photographs, can be validly represented by digital virtual landscapes. The study area comprises the communities of Schwyz and Ingenbohl-Brunnen in Central Switzerland.