The virtual tour project is an undertaking of the students Photo Imaging Technology Program at the Berks Career & Technology Center's West Campus near Reading in Berks County, Pennsylvania.
This Project was born out of the changing methods used in still photography and digital imaging capability. In 1998, with Apple's release of QuickTime and Quicktime Virtual Reality, the stage was set for immersing the viewer into a new way of experiencing objects and scenes, interacting with the image itself.
Our venture into the world of immersive imaging began in January 2001. Our goal: create a sample of works that showed off our brand-new technology in an interesting manner that would be showcased at the 2001 Career & Education Week Celebration being hosted by the Pennsylvania Bureau of Career & Technology Education at the Capitol. Our initial sample target: The PA Capitol building.
Our initial showing was a great success! The concept of a virtual tour of the Capitol took root. Students from the Photo Imaging Program have dedicated themselves to the task at hand: creating a virtual version of the public tour, enhanced with their budding skills and technology. Even as the students progressed through the sometimes tedious process of shooting QTVR's, the schedule was also intermixed with photographing standard still images of the Capitol's design features and artwork. Through the QTVR's and still images, the site offers views of the Capitol for those who may not be able to visit, as well as enhancing the desire for others to visit.
