Visualisation, virtual reality and associated data handling. Volume 2 of 3: Phase 3, final report

This study was commissioned by the UK Highways Agency to explore how techniques using advanced visualisation could be applied to its project process with the hope of increasing its ability to communicate effectively with the general public and reducing the procurement period for new build projects and ease the maintenance of historic structures. Leatherhead Bridge is used as an example. Real benefits were obtained from the use of virtual reality and advanced visualisation. Urban and suburban schemes were successfully modelled. The option of storing design components for rapid use in later designs is explored. Intranet and web-based data bases are proposed for more efficient methods of capturing, storing and retrieving information in the Highways Agency. A series of demonstrators has been developed. Recommendations from this report are contained in the third volume.