StructureMorph: Creating Scholarly 3D Models for a Convergent, Digital Publishing Environment

Authors

  • John Bonnett Department of History Brock University
  • Mark Anderson
  • Wei Tang
  • Brian Farrimond
  • Léon Robichaud

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22230/src.2016v7n2/3a253

Keywords:

3D modelling, Complex Objects, Convergent platforms, Digital history

Abstract

Background:  The StructureMorph project rests on the premise that future publishing platforms will converge multiple applications, such as geographic information systems (GIS) and game engines, and multiple paradigms of computing, such as desktop computing and high-performance computing. Convergent platforms will also present design challenges for scholars.

Analysis:  In this contribution, one response to these challenges is presented: the Complex Object. Complex Objects are 4D models that alter their shape and surface appearance in response to user interaction, and changes in world time. They also to mimic the behaviours of 2D polygons as configured in geographic information systems, graphically linking attribute data with spatial locales.

Conclusion and implications:  This article discusses the concept of the Complex Object and describes the software and workflow devised to support its creation.

Author Biographies

John Bonnett, Department of History Brock University

John Bonnett is an Associate Professor of History at Brock University.  Mark Anderson, Brian Farrimond and Wei Tang are respectively Professor, Honorary Research Fellow and Research Assistant in Computing at Edge Hill University in the UK.  Léon Robichaud is an Associate Professor at the Université de Sherbrooke.

Mark Anderson

Mark Anderson is Professor of Computing at Edge Hill University, St. Helens Road, Ormskirk, United Kingdom L39 4QP.

Wei Tang

Wei Tang is Honorary Research Fellow in Computing at Edge Hill University, St. Helens Road, Ormskirk, United Kingdom L39 4QP

Brian Farrimond

Brian Farrimond is Research Assistant in Computing at Edge Hill University, St. Helens Road, Ormskirk, United Kingdom L39 4QP

Léon Robichaud

Léon Robichaud is Associate Professor at the Université de Sherbrooke, 2500, Boulevarde de l’Université, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada J1K 2R1

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Published

2016-11-08