Photosynth - Applications for Tourism Providers

17th March 2009

Categories: News - Archive

New Mind's tourism customers now have an opportunity to offer visitors to their websites an entirely new visual medium called Photosynth which will change the way that photographs are experienced and shared online.

Created by Microsoft Live Labs and the University of Washington, Photosynth allows both the scale and minute detail of subjects to be captured in cinematic quality. Digital photographs are analysed for similarities to others by the Photosynth software application and that data is used to build a three dimensional model of the place or object which has been photographed. Whether sharing or reliving a holiday destination or exploring a distant museum or landmark, Photosynth transforms regular digital photos into a three-dimensional, 360-degree experience with a digital camera and a bit of creativity and inspiration.

Unlike the recent controversial launch of Google Streetview, Photosynth images are generated and uploaded by individuals and as such provide visitors with an opportunity to be directly involved in the creation of dynamic photographic content on destination sites.

Photosynth has already been used in the media to great effect. For example, CNN used the technology for a user-contributed 3D vision of the inauguration of Barack Obama and it has also been featured in the TV series, CSI: New York.

In a first for a UK destination website, New Mind has just implemented a trial of the Photosynth application on www.visitbrighton.com, providing visitors with a whole new visual experience of the destination's attractions. Check out the Royal Pavilion Photosynth for an example of how this exciting new technology can be deployed.

John Carmichael, Marketing Manager at VisitBrighton comments:

"We are delighted to have worked with New Mind on this project and to be the first UK destination to be using this cutting-edge technology on our website www.visitbrighton.com. The implementation of technology such as Photosynth onto our site is crucial to maintain its inspirational nature and usefulness to visitors. The fact that this technology also gives a direct opportunity for visitors to get involved in our site development is fantastic. We thank New Mind for leading the way in this field and introducing us to this opportunity."

For more information on the history, process and capabilities of Photosynth, check out Wikipedia. If you're interested in implementing this exciting new technology on your site, speak to your Account Manager or call 0151 287 7791.