Satellite imagery provider, DigitalGlobe, has teamed up with an industry leader in expert modelling and simulation services, AEgis Technologies Group, to provide NBC Universal with access to a 3D digital model of Beijing during the network’s broadcasts of the Olympic Games.

This is the first time this ground-breaking technology has been leveraged to develop highly accurate 3D simulation quickly for NBC’s coverage of the Olympics. DigitalGlobe’s advanced and highly accurate imagery from its constellation made it more efficient to process into 3D modeling. The collaboration between AEgis’ simulation technology and DigitalGlobe’s extensive library of satellite imagery content allowed virtual databases to be rendered in just days. This is also the first time that an open source platform was leveraged to develop a lightweight and easy to use true 3D simulation.

“I am pleased to know that our satellite imagery is playing a role in NBC’s broadcast of the Olympic Games,” said Jill Smith, chief executive officer, DigitalGlobe. “We know this technology will provide for a richer viewer experience and we are proud to be partnering with AEgis to provide this unique perspective of Beijing and the different sporting venues.”

With this technology, NBC will be able to virtually “fly” around the events and offer its audience simulated views of the inside and outside of the Beijing sporting venues.

“We are excited about teaming up with DigitalGlobe and NBC to offer viewers a virtual rendition of the Beijing Olympics,” said David King, vice president, Simulation Development Group of AEgis. “Consumers are becoming more interested in 3D digital modeling and we are proud to be at the forefront of providing this technology for companies like NBC.”

Not only are these 3D models rendered at 60 frames per second to allow for smooth transition between venues, but the data can also be exported out of the model in various formats for use in other applications such as ESRI ARCmap and Google Earth.

For more information about the satellite imagery and 3D used in this project please visit digitalglobe-aegistg.com, DigitalGlobe or AEgis Technologies Group.

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Source: DigitalGlobe