BEIJING, March 11 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- As technology marches on, 360-
degree panoramas which were once static images (such as Quicktime VR) have
evolved into the realm of video. Thus you can now pan and zoom in a circle,
look up and down, inside of a video. This opens a whole new world of
possibilities for web developers.
The camera, produced by Grey Point Research, is an expensive piece of
equipment produced primarily for surveillance purposes. Some clients,
including The China Guide, are using it for tourism.
American Peter Danford, founder of The China Guide
( http://www.TheChinaGuide.com ), a Beijing based travel agency is a
professional photographer and has been shooting 360-degree panoramas since
Apple introduced the Quicktime VR technology in the mid-1990's. The China
Guide's web site has been using 360 degree panoramas since its founding in
2001.
"As a photographer and computer programmer, 360-degree panoramas have
always held a certain fascination for me," said Peter Danford. "The ability
to take a photograph and let people look all around is very powerful.
Combined with hot spots which the user can click, the possibilities for
interactivity are high. When I saw the first use of 360-degree technology on
the web I immediately saw its application in tourism. While the initial
investment in equipment has been high, as it always is with leading edge
technology, the return is also high. Visitors to our website get an
experience they cannot get on any other in the area of China tourism."
The China Guide uses interactive panoramas on its web site to allow
visitors to preview tourist destinations in China so they can have a better
idea where they would like to travel. To experience the latest in video
panorama technology visit the web site of The China Guide,
http://www.TheChinaGuide.com .
About The China Guide
The China Guide ( http://www.TheChinaGuide.com ) is a Beijing-based travel
agency, American owned and operated. Specializing in western-style service
and quality with hassle free web bookings, they work with clients to customize
tours that match their travel style. Operating only in China, they have up to
date knowledge and offer exciting experiences for travelers including their
famous Sleep on the Great Wall tour. The China Guide avoids the common
factory shopping stops that are not reflective of the true China.
SOURCE The China Guide
