About the Library Virtual Tour

General Description

This click-through virtual tour of the Harrell Library allows you to explore the library’s space in 3D, and to learn more about the services available through the library. The virtual tour was created in Unity 3D, and published in WebGL format. Unity allows the developer to create an interactive 3D environment such as the one shown in this example piece.

Process & Options

The example shown was very time intensive to create, but there are simpler versions of the same concept that can be similarly effective.

For this program, a 3D model of the library was created based on a blueprint of the library’s design. Individual models were created for items such as chairs, computers, etc. Once the models were brought into Unity, the items were “staged” by adding texture, setting up lighting, and positioning camera angle. Then buttons were created and scripts written to make navigation of the 3D space work. In this case, the player can turn left or right with arrow buttons, and move through the library by selecting the glowing blue dots on the floor. Finally, scripted targets were added throughout the library to highlight areas of interest. When clicked, the targets revealed information and sometimes a small action such as a light turning on or movement of an object. These interactions were made with custom C# scripts and the Unity UI interface.

If someone wanted to create a virtual tour experience on a smaller scale, one possibility would be to take photos of a space, and use these photos in a program such as Articulate Storyline to make an eLearning where the user could click on areas in the photo to reveal messages, and switch between areas with a map or menu.