Visualization of Transformer Zones using a Distributed Virtual Reality Architecture

In South Africa and other developing countries there is currently a drive to electrify homes of disadvantaged communities. To aid the electrification process requires effective software applications. The set of stand-alone tools currently used are inherently based in two dimensions and convey a limited amount of information. This paper introduces a software application, DataVis, which allows designers to visualize a three-dimensional environment from a two-dimensional CAD drawing. The application allows for the viewing and manipulating of electrical and physical properties of the objects in the environment. A distributed virtual reality software architecture is used to allow networked low-cost personal computers to create and allow the designer to interact with this environment. The concept of using data visualization in three-dimensions will be investigated for its applicability in the electrification design process.