Virtalis is to provide a Highly Immersive Visualisation Environment (HIVE) to th ...

Virtalis is to provide a Highly Immersive Visualisation Environment (HIVE) to the University of Western Cape (UWC), the facility being paid for in a matched funding arrangement between the University and BP. The HIVE is to be sited in a brand new, custom-built unit within the Department of Applied Geology. A central Dell server coupled with a dedicated optical fibre line will link the Department’s 30, high-end, 3D modelling computers with its two-channel, tracked ActiveWall and the postgraduate research suite. This in turn, will connect to the University’s multi-terabyte data storage system via 10-Gb network connectivity, enabling high speed data transfer and advanced modelling of very large data sets. According to the University, the HIVE will be the most advanced virtual reality system in South Africa. The HIVE will manipulate and model data using a wide range of industry-standard software packages to create highly detailed models and virtual environments. Principal among these are Schlumberger’s reservoir and fluid modelling suites, Petrel and Eclipse; Midland Valley’s MOVE 2D, 3D, 4D structural modelling software; and Virtalis’ own GeoVisionary, a tool which enables geoscientists to visualise, analyse and share large datasets seamlessly in an immersive, real time environment. Close relationships between the HIVE and Fugro NPA, specialists in geological and surface modelling using advanced visualisation techniques, will enhance the overall service and technical quality of the facility. Students using the HIVE initially will be reading for MScs and PhDs in the South African Petroleum Studies Program and MScs in Applied Geology, but this user body will expand as relationships with other disciplines are grown. It is expected that approximately 40% of HIVE’s time will be booked by commercial organisations, especially those with interests in petroleum, mining and land use. In fact, demand is expected to be so heavy that UWC has already placed an additional order for an Optoma projected ActiveMove, Virtalis’ recently launched, transportable, interactive 3D visualisation system.