Four-dimensional Virtual Reality GIS (4D VRGIS): Research guidelines

With the continuing growth of interest in the use of Virtual Reality technology in GIS, urban planning and the geosciences, it is becoming clear that the development of a VRGIS will be required. This chapter attempts to outline the challenges faced by the development of such a technology and suggests the principles that should guide future development of four-dimensional VRGIS (4D VRGIS). Secondly, a definition of what 4D VRGIS should be is proposed, and an outline conceptual architecture suggested, with reference to the issues of space, time, co-ordinates, measurement, functionality and structure within a 3D VRGIS.