Stereoscopic Monitor

In the very recent past, stereoscopic vision required expensive CRT monitors (currently no longer in production), OpenGL stereo-ready graphic cards, polarised screens and eyeglasses. Since there is practically no production of CRT monitors, the only alternative with LCD monitors available until now (but even more costly than CRTs) was the solution with double LCD monitor and polarising screen.
The strong point of Geosoft's proposal is, instead, the 22” LCD stereo Monitor iZ3D with a resolution of 1680x1050 at an extremely competitive price. The iZ3D Monitors, which look like a normal LCD monitor, actually consist of two LCD panels mounted one behind the other that allow stereoscopic vision of the images with the aid of polarising glasses. Each monitor includes two pairs of polarising eyeglasses and one clip-on for vision eyeglasses and does not require expensive stereo-ready graphic cards.
To achieve a satisfactory result from the monitors in a photogrammetric environment, Geosoft has signed an agreement with iZ3D, the American company that markets the monitor, and directly integrates the proprietary algorithms needed for the stereo display of aerial images directly into its software. These monitors are intended for the gaming market and are not equipped with standard drivers. Moreover, Geosoft has implemented specific procedures for calibrating stereoscopic vision and improving the mixed display of images/colour vector data.
n addition, unlike normal stereoscopic LCD monitors, the iZ3D monitors do not reduce the resolution of the stereo image and can also be used as normal 2D work monitors when they are not being used for stereoscopic display. However, it should always be kept in mind that ArcGDS can be used with CRT/Z-Screen monitors or other types of stereoscopic LCD monitors (such as Planar).

3D Mouse

ArcGDS provides two modes for stereoplotting and 3D navigation:

• using a normal mouse with scrolling wheel (for movement in Z)

• using a professional 3D cursor like Stealth 3D Mouse or Immersion softmouse.
  These cursors are gripped with both hands and allow both X, Y and Z movement (through the scrolling wheel turned with the thumb). The numerous function keys available are configured to activate the various software commands, leaving the mouse for normal activities with ArcGIS.