NASA and Microsoft have teamed up to provide a very unique way of exploring NASA’s launch sites and facilities. Using Microsoft Live Labs’ Photosynth technology, one can tour the launch pad and other areas of NASA. Also, there is additional information and links from MSNBC’s website including a launch platform for the various NASA tours. But this is not just a series of photographs strung together to produce a series of pictures, Photosynth actually interpolates a series of images to create a 3d environment that can the be navigated by the user, creating a very interesting and unique user experience.

I have to admit I am a huge astronomy “nut”. Since I was a kid I have been greatly drawn to the subject. When I saw that the Microsoft Photosynth team had a collaboration with NASA, I was eager to see what they were offering. I was blown away by the shear “in it” feeling of the interface. I will admit I do not totally understand what is being done to provide this effect, but it is definitely cool!!!!!

From what I can gather, the basic technology takes a base photograph and interpolates that photograph into a 3D image. If you load the site you will notice the base image becoming a 3D representation of dots on the black background before the image loads. Then each additional photograph is added to the interpolation and related to a perspective.

The interface lets you rove around and move around to other photo aspects, properly filling in the angle and distance you are currently at. You can also zoom in and out, rotate around a point if the photographs are available. I am just really impressed by the overall feeling of immersion that this neat little gizmo provides. Definitely some cool stuff coming down the pipe.

Story Links:
MSNBC Tour Launch
Microsoft’s Photsynth
NASA Tour Collection

(An Aside)…
If you love astronomy as I do, I would also check out Astronomy Picture of the Day as well. Really cool photographs that are changed daily and they include information about the photography.

Enjoy!!
Tallk Hard!!