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Digital 2D and 3D visualizations play a representative as well as an operative role in the field of investigation of Cultural Heritage. In the beginning, 2D and 3D digital visualizations were mainly used to present results of research projects, but today they are considered more and more as scientific tools to be used in the research process. Digital 2D and 3D visualizations have the potential to extend the traditional methods of all participating disciplines in the research of Cultural Heritage. Thus, these visualizations could be defined as spatial and object-related iconic epistemological models and media. In these iconic models, the knowledge is collected, merged, and made visible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have collected magnetic, 3D ground-penetrating-radar (GPR), and topographic data at an archaeological site within the Palace Garden of Paretz, Germany. The survey site covers an area of approximately 35 X 40 m across a hill structure (dips of up to 15°) that is partly covered by trees. The primary goal of this study was to detect and locate the remains of ancient architectural elements, which, from historical records, were expected to be buried in the subsurface at this site. To acquire our geophysical data, we used a recently developed surveying approach that combines the magnetic and GPR instrument with a tracking total station (TTS). Besides efficient data acquisition, this approach provides positional information at an accuracy within the centimeter range. At the Paretz field site, this information was critical for processing and analyzing our geophysical data (in particular, GPR data) and enabled us to generate a high-resolution digital terrain model (DTM) of the surveyed area. Integrated analysis and interpretation based on composite images of the magnetic, 3D GPR, and high-resolution DTM data as well as selected attributes derived from these data sets allowed us to outline the remains of an artificial grotto and temple. Our work illustrates the benefit of using multiple surveying technologies, analyzing and interpreting the resulting data in an integrated fashion. It further demonstrates how modern surveying solutions allow for efficient, accurate data acquisition even in difficult terrain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In context of global climate change and the continuous extension of settlement areas in the Alps especially due to tourism, an increasing conflict between land use and natural hazard prevention can be observed. This also includes deep seated landslides, which if activated can cause considerable damage to settlements and infrastructure and even can endanger lives. To date the hazard potential of slow deep seated landslides often is underestimated. Due to economic reasons such potentially dangerous instable slopes if at all often are only monitored sporadically. The alpEWAS project ("development and testing of an integrative 3D early warning system for alpine instable slopes") is currently developing a low cost 3D monitoring and early warning system for landslides based on three innovative economic continuous measurement systems for underground and surface deformations: Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR), Reflectorleß Video Tacheometry (VTPS) and Low Cost Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). These are merged with other sensors, which monitor typical trigger mechanisms (e.g. precipitation), into a geo sensor network, which provides remote online acceß to all data in near real time. The alpEWAS system has been installed at the Aggenalm landslide, located in the Bavarian Alps near Bayrischzell, for a first field test. To date the system has reliably produced data for about 8 months, of which the first time series are presented. The amount of data is currently still not sufficient for a final evaluation of the new measuring systems during field use, but the preliminary results concerning the reliability and accuracy of the measurements are promising. The experiences made at this first field test will be of great importance for the medium-term goal: the development of a market-ready, flexible, economic early warning system for landslides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current shoe designs do not allow for the comprehensive 3-D foot shape, which means they are unable to reproduce the wide variability in foot morphology. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to capture these variations of children's feet by classifying them into groups (types) and thereby provide a basis for their implementation in the design of children's shoes. The feet of 2867 German children were measured using a 3-D foot scanner. Cluster analysis was then applied to classify the feet into three different foot types. The characteristics of these foot types differ regarding their volume and forefoot shape both within and between shoe sizes. This new approach is in clear contrast to previous systems, since it captures the variability of foot morphology in a more comprehensive way by using a foot typing system and therefore paves the way for the unimpaired development of children's feet. Previous shoe systems do not allow for the wide variations in foot morphology. A new approach was developed regarding different morphological foot types based on 3-D measurements relevant in shoe construction. This can be directly applied to create specific designs for children's shoes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses 3D user interfaces (3D UIs), which allow users to interact with virtual objects, environments, or information using direct 3D input in physical or virtual spaces. The article reflects on state of the art technology in several key aspects of 3D UIs and evaluates the possibilities for future research. The article discusses multisensory input for improved control and performance, task-driven design of interaction techniques, and input device design. 3D devices developed at Bauhaus Universität Weimar are evaluated.

The Museum für Holographie und neue visuelle Medien at Pulheim, Germany, was the second museum in the world to promote and show holography. The activities of the museum, founded in 1979, have been instrumental in making holography known in Germany. Many German institutions and individuals who are now active in the field of holography were inspired by the activities of Matthias Lauk, the museum's founder. His ideas of an open museum and a travelling museum have brought his holography collection to an increasingly large public. This museum can be seen as a good example of a functioning private museum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article looks at examples from the Emerging Technologies area of Siggraph 2010. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]