Designing a Virtual Arboretum as an Immersive, Multimodal, Interactive, Data Visualization Virtual Field Trip

This paper describes a virtual field trip application as new type of immersive, multimodal, interactive, data visualization arboretum. Deployed in game engine, it is large, open-world simulation, representing 100 hectares and ideal for use when free choice navigation high fidelity are required. Although the computer graphics photorealistic, different unique from other applications that art or 2D 360-degree video, because reflects information result domain expert review, integration geographic system (GIS) with drone images. Combined in-game visualization, generating past future worlds, addition to representations present. Fusing many sources—terrain data, waterbody plant inventory, population density accurate models, bioacoustics, images—its design process methods could be repeated used wide range augmented reality (AR) (VR) devices. Results on presence, embodiment, emotions, engagement, learning summarized prior pilot studies context use, relevant schools, museums, arboretums, botanical gardens interested developing immersive informal applications.