Airports in 3D

360VirtualTour.co uses digital twin technology to create realistic VR environments of public and private spaces that can be accessed via all types of electronic devices at all times.

The platform uses a system of cameras and lasers capable of scanning internal areas – to build a virtual model of the location, a process that takes anywhere from an hour to a day depending on its size.

It’s similar to Google Earth but on speed. That’s what the basic traveller wants – everybody wants to know where they’re going to go, how long it will take them to get there and what it’s going to be looking like.

Once live, the virtual map can be modified with the latest updates and embedded with tools such as information points, how-to videos and menus, essentially creating a digital, all-inclusive guide through the airport.

Making airports more accessible to all
At the core of Wood’s project is supporting passengers’ journeys through unfamiliar and busy environments.

Specifically, Ocean3D has been designed to help travellers suffering from anxiety and hidden disabilities to have a stress-free trip.

“Ocean3D has been designed to help travellers suffering from anxiety.”
“One in four people in the UK will have some form of disability, whether it’s physical or mental,” says Wood, “and we need to look out for those people, over 80% of which will have hidden impairments.”

As a result, Ocean3D allows sensitive passengers to virtually visit an airport from a comfortable location and prior to reaching it: “There is an awful lot of people who are very nervous about using airports or other transport facilities,” he continues. “The idea is that the platform reduces anxiety for customers, it allows them to plan.”

Supporting airports’ internal operations
The platform also offers a number of opportunities in matters such as marketing, staff management and construction.

“You can increase the number of people coming through your airport by allowing them to book a table at a restaurant in advance of a spot in the VIP lounge,” says Wood, highlighting the dual benefit of having relaxed passengers as well as boosting airports’ relations with their partners.

“The tours offer a real opportunity for people who are building airports or carrying upgrade works.”
“Another important aspect is that the tours offer a real opportunity for people who are building airports or carrying upgrade works,” he adds.

Being able to access the map remotely would therefore eliminate the need for engineers and designers to be on-site at all time. As Wood puts it: “You can all be looking at the same piece of information, you can have different players intervening on the project without having to organise meetings in advance, so it saves money and time for everybody.”

Lastly, chatboxes can be used as a replacement to airlines’ customer desks in busy situations such as when a flight is delayed. “Instead of having people rushing to a traditional desk, they can just click on the information point [on the digital twin], and embed a chatbox with it to reduce stress.”