Interactive Panoramas

Panoramas have a captivating effect in almost every application imaginable: whether they are integrated in a personal homepage or professionally used in architecture, in museums or in company or product presentations. Written in a comprehensive, yet easy-to-understand format, this book details all of the necessary steps involved in panoramic photography: from the production of digital and analog picture sequences, to "stitching" using appropriate software tools, all the way to publishing interactive panoramas on the Internet. The book introduces the concept of producing cylindrical and spherical panoramas and explains how to link individual panoramas to create virtual tours. The production of interactive object presentations - or so-called object movies - also is described. Software products that receive mention include REALVIZ Stitcher, VR Worx and PanoTools, with attention also being paid to Internet publication using QuickTime VR, PTViewer, VRML, iPIX and other panorama viewers. Regardless if the digital pictures are taken with a panoramic camera, a fisheye lens or using the single row or multi-row technique: this book offers practical tips and tricks for every alternative. Detailed comparisons of the individual techniques make it easier to decide on the appropriate method for specific goals. This useful information adds an exciting dimension to panoramic photography and leads to high quality results that speak for themselves.