definition

Would anyone be able to tell me how they define 'Virtual tour'? What does it mean to you? Generally, museums appear to give an overview of their collections with various uses of technology - panoramic views, Quicktime movies, for example. Does the term 'virtual tour' imply use of technology to give the feeling of actually being there? I have seen sites that refer to a virtual tour there merely present images and text. Isn't this more a 'tour' than a 'virtual tour'. Glad to have your comments. trish

Please note a java-based virtual tour http://www.fh-trier.de/fb/bw/ri/rhof/rundga/index- e.html which simulates a walk in the museum. Helge Rieder

mean to you? Generally, museums appear to give an overview of their collections with various uses of technology - panoramic views, Quicktime movies, for example. Does the term 'virtual tour' imply use of technology to give the feeling of actually being there? I have seen sites that refer to a virtual tour there merely present images and text. Isn't this more a 'tour' than a 'virtual tour'. Glad to have your comments.

On our Museum's Web site (www.mcasandiego.org), our 'virtual tour' is a simulated walk through the galleries. We shot the spaces using a special camera; when navigating through the 'tour,' moving the cursor gives you a kind of panoramic view from many vantage points in the space, including 'walking' through a door into another space.

Anne Farrell Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego

<< Would anyone be able to tell me how they define 'Virtual tour'? What does it mean to you? Generally, museums appear to give an overview of their collections with various uses of technology - panoramic views, Quicktime movies, for example. Does the term 'virtual tour' imply use of technology to give the feeling of actually being there? I have seen sites that refer to a virtual tour there merely present images and text. Isn't this more a 'tour' than a 'virtual tour'. Glad to have your comments. > trish

At the Ohio Statehouse, we're working on a 'Virtual Statehouse' CD-ROM and website. To us, the idea includes lots of QTVR and plenty of navigational options and mobility

I notice several replies to your query Trish, so hasten to put my own definition before reading others.

A virtual museum, or a 'virtual tour' is, to me, one which may be a visit from a remote location via any number of media ranging from books to web sites. I say 'may' because obviously these same media may be used within the walls of the institution in which the tour or museum is located.

Ron Vanderwal