The University of Denver Amache Project wanted to render 3D models in augmented reality to research and preserve the site of Amache, a WWII internment camp for Japanese-American citizens. They needed a way to bring all the data sources together and generate the site as it existed during WWII.
The University worked with Safe Software to make this happen. Safe’s scenario experts used the FME Platform to integrate various data sources and create a 3D model of the site while also recommending the use of CesiumJS and Unreal Engine to visualize the 3D model in augmented reality.
Safe Software first sourced data from drones, CAD floor plans, and more to create a 3D model of the Amache site as it existed during WWII. Then FME was used to integrate all the data sources and generate the final 3D model. CesiumJS was used to create a 3D scene of the site for sharing over the web, and paired with Unreal Engine, created an immersive game-like environment. The Multi-User Viewer template from UE4.22 was used to allow users to explore the world alone or in a multi-user mode where they can connect to the same world and see each other as avatars.
With Safe Software’s help, the University of Denver Amache Project was able to create a visually appealing and interactive way to research, interpret, and preserve the site of Amache. The 3D model generated using FME allowed the team to visualize the site as it existed during WWII, and the use of CesiumJS and Unreal Engine allowed them to present the data in different ways, making it more accessible to a wider audience and ultimately preserving the history of the Amache site.
To learn more about the important work of the Amache Preservation Society and see the results of this collaborative effort, visit the ArcGIS Storymap “Augmenting Amache”.
