Architectural Marvels: Now On The Web In 3D

Microsoft and the BBC have teamed up to offer models of Britain's greatest buildings, using new technology from Microsoft's Live Labs.

Microsoft announced on Wednesday that it has partnered with the British Broadcasting Company to build 3D photo representations of historic sites throughout the United Kingdom. The models launched in conjunction with a new BBC TV series entitled How We Built Britain, which chronicles the history of Britain’s greatest buildings.

Microsoft’s Live Labs division produced the models using its Photosynth technology. It works by taking a collection of photos from different angles, analyzing them for similarities, and figuring out how they fit together in 3D space. The end result is a navigable environment pieced together with different photos.

"Photosynth is an extremely immersive experience where one can find oneself spending hours walking in the footsteps of the photographer and exploring minute details of the 3D environment," said Adam Sheppard, group product manager for Microsoft Live Labs, in a statement. “This opportunity with the BBC allowed us to test the limits of the Photosynth technology by integrating photographs from decades ago of the United Kingdom’s historic sites along with those of the general public today. We’re eager to see how people tell their stories with this new interactive medium."

Locations include the Ely Cathedral, Burghley House, the Royal Crescent, Bath, the Scottish Parliament buildings and Blackpool Tower Ballroom. All are currently available for viewing at the BBC’s Photosynth Web site.