1. SimuSurvey X: An Improved Virtual Surveying Instrument Running off a Game Engine
17 March, 2011
Presenter
Prof. Shih-Chung Kang
Department of Civil Engineering
National Taiwan University

2. Background Difficulty in teaching Surveying
Virtual reality simulation used for improvement of surveying teaching
The previous version - SimuSurvey
Using the XNA gaming platform, we developed a new virtual surveying instrument, named SimuSurvey X

3. SimuSurvey
A computer-based surveyor training tool which simulates instrument manipulation
It has been demonstrated to be a successful tool in user tests with 323 students.
The user interface design and deployment were two major areas identified for further improvement.

4. Objective
Continued improvement of the usability and teaching effectiveness of SimuSurvey.
Approach: Use the XNA gaming platform to develop a new virtual surveying instrument, named SimuSurvey X, with improved visual effects and user interfaces.

5. Benefits with gaming platform
Modern game consoles often have fantastic visual effects and provide 360 degrees of navigation, giving the users better awareness of the spatial environment.
Improved user interface for operating virtual surveying instruments
A unified hardware standard for easier deployment, operation, and promotion.

6. Work Done
The virtual instruments implemented include leveling, theodolite and total station.
Scenarios designed for surveying missions include leveling surveying, horizontal angle surveying, vertical angle surveying, traverse closed surveying and free model.
User interfaces are designed using an iterative and incremental user-centered development model, called the I&I-UCD method.
Accompanying teaching materials are prepared for surveying courses in vocational schools and universities.
User feedbacks are collected and analyzed for evaluation of usability and teaching effectiveness

7. SimuSurvey X - User Interface
3D Navigation mode: 1st –personal pan, tilt, move
Instrument control mode : Pan, rotation, tile, zoom

8. SimuSurvey X - Example Screenshots

9. SimuSurvey X - Demo Video

10. Outcomes SimuSurvey X beta version has been released on May, 2010.
Website:
Companion teaching materials for SimuSurvey X are also developed for surveying teaching.
Compared with the former version, SimuSurvey X has better visual effects and user interfaces for educational use.

11. Thank you!