A system and methods for accessing 2D digital images and 3D geometric models
over
a network (preferably the Internet) and transforming and composing that media along
with 2D digital image and 3D geometric model media, acquired by other means, into
enhanced 2D image and 3D model representations for virtual reality visualization
and simulation is disclosed. Digital images and models from a network and other
sources are incorporated and manipulated through an interactive graphical user
interface. A photogrammetric media processing engine automatically extracts virtual
sensor (camera) and geometric models from imagery. Extracted information is used
by a reconstruction processor to automatically and realistically compose images
and models. A rendering system provides real-time visualization and simulation
of the constructed media. A client-server processing model for deployment of the
media processing engine system over a network is disclosed.
