Necessary Browser Plugins:
Interactive Map Software:
To use these interactive resources, you need to add a few free plugins to your Web browser.
The latest Flash plugin is necessary to view interactive maps and slide shows within our Environmental and Cultural Geography collection.
Immersive Model Software:
A Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) plugin is necessary to view three dimensional constructions, such as our reconstruction of Meru Monastery in Lhasa. Choose one of the following:
- Cortona: We recommend the ParallelGraphics Cortona plugin, available for:
- Cosmo: Though it is not technically supported on newer platforms, many users prefer the Cosmo Player. It seems to work fine on Windows 2000 and XP as well as Mac OS9.
- FreeWRL: An open source VRML and X3D browser for Mac OSX and Linux.
Index of THDL Maps and Models
Static Maps
Our current focus is on generating static maps out of our present GIS databases, which associate locations with features and information. One can specify a certain range of features, or types of features, and have these output against a given backdrop to form a variety of maps.
Interactive Maps
Our interactive maps are done with a common Web technology known as "Flash". These Flash maps provide access to databases of images and descriptions by clicking on respective areas. Different layers on the map can be toggled on and off to revea, or hide, features such as rivers, cities, population density, etc. For example, in the map of Sera Monastery, clicking on a building yields a display of its description and various data, along with images of the building and events transpiring in and around it.
- GIS Tibet and Nepal Interactive map
- Asia interactive map
- Tibet interactive map
- Lhasa interactive map
- Tibet University interactive map
- Barkor interactive map: Lhasa's Old City
- Sera Monastery interactive map
- Sera Monastery Hermitages interactive map
- Drepung Monastery interactive map
- Meru Nyingba Monastery floor plans
Immersive Models
We currently have two different three-dimensional models of Tibetan places. Each uses a technology called "VRML" (Virtual Reality Modeling Language) to create a three-dimensional rendering of building complexes, which a user can walk through using a computer. The buildings are further linked to other resources, such as images and building or room descriptions. Our long term plan is to link together two dimensional and three dimensional models so that one can observe one's movements within a three dimensional space on a two dimensional map, thereby integrating the immersiveness of 3D with the clarity of 2D.
About Maps and Models
Maps can be created in a variety of ways using survey equipment, impressionistic hand drawings and other means. One of the most exciting developments of digital technology lies in the ability to automatically generate maps out of databases of features which are keyed to latitude and longitude values. Another important development is the ability to create interactive maps, in which users can click to modify the map, and/or bring different resources to the fore. Finally, digital technology also allows a three dimensional mapping of places to create more immersive experiences where you can "fly through" or "walk through" a place. This page is intended to provide a full index of the different maps. We welcome others to contact us about sharing their maps on this page at thdl@virginia.edu.