THUPS: two-handed 3-dimensional urban planning using a desktop workbench system

Abstract

In this paper we discuss the development of a non-immersive virtual environment for urban planning. We opted for a hybrid 2D/3D desktop workbench, which offers two complementary non-stereoscopic views on a virtual city. While being primarily designed as a possible solution to the problem of insufficient spatial awareness in virtual environments, this double view also allowed for a novel egocentric selection technique. In order to support intuitive interaction, bimanual 3D interaction and extensive visual feedback were used as basic principles in the interaction design.