Contact us to access our Virtual Tours & VR Catalogue
What is a virtual tour (VT)?
Virtual tours are the simulation of an existing location with the help of sequential videos or still images. Other multimedia elements like music, sound effects, floor plans, etc., could also be used. They help in recreating a realistic representation of reality. Virtual tours help in presenting views to inaccessible areas and provide an interesting and excellent alternative to fieldwork when expenses, time or logistics are an issue for people.
What is virtual reality (VR)?
Virtual Reality (VR) is a 3D computer generated ‘virtual’ environment that users explore and interact with in an immersive way. The feeling of being present in these environments requires the use of a VR headset. Some examples include: Oculus Rift, Samsung Gear VR, HTC Vive, Google Daydream View, or Google Cardboard.
*These headsets block vision of the real world and provide video to each eye allowing for depth of vision. This technology is then supported by head and body tracking to connect the virtual world to what the user is seeing. (OISE 2018)
Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Mixed Reality, and 360°
While the term virtual reality may be used to describe different types of immersive or altered reality experiences, it is not the same as augmented reality.
Virtual Reality
- uses VR headsets or closed head-mounted displays (HMDS) to completely insulate and immerse the user in an alternative world
Augmented Reality
- adds or supplements to our existing reality with digital objects and overlays
- enhances our presence by ‘augmenting’ reality
Mixed or Merged Reality
- uses a holographic lens to converge VR and AR where virtual objects interact with real-world objects
360°
- creates 360° panorama photos or videos
- uses 360° cameras to integrate multiple images
Note: 360° captures are not VR. However, 360-degree captures are used in VR so users can view 360° content within a VR headset. With 360-degree content, users are not fully immersed because they can look up, down, and around, but not move forward like they can in VR.
Virtual Tour & Virtual Reality Resources for Libraries
Our Collection
Browse the largest collection of educational multi-media virtual tours and virtual reality on the web! Subscribe to access over one thousand educational tours including 360° panoramas and videos, live cameras, narrated tours, and virtual reality. With over one thousand tours to choose from in 14 different categories, your library members can explore new places and experience a world of learning like never before!
- Unlimited access to over 1000 educational virtual tours and virtual reality experiences
- 14 categories of VT and VR to choose from (Animals, Arts & Culture, Around the World, Exhibits, Famous Landmarks, Google Earth, How Things Are Made, Museums, Occupations, Space, STEM, Sports, Theme Parks, Weather & the Environment)
- Keyword and category search to help your library members find exactly what they need
- New tours added every year
- Virtual Tour and Virtual Reality Resources for Libraries
Sample Tours
Blacktip Reef (Animals)
Blacktip Reef is a breathtaking, award-winning exhibit full of color, light and movement located in the heart of National Aquarium. This coral-filled exhibit, replicating Indo-Pacific reefs, is active with life that guests can experience from many vantage points, including a new floor-to-ceiling pop-out viewing window that allows guests to virtually come face to face with the animals.
The Displaced (Arts & Culture)
Nearly 60 million people are currently displaced from their homes by war and persecution ? more than at any time since World War II. Half are children. This multimedia journey in text, photographs and virtual reality tells the stories of three of them. Read the introduction here and then take the tour which is hyperlinked above.
Google Arts and Culture (Arts & Culture, Exhibits)
Discover online collections and exhibitions about the artists, locations and history of street art. Start your journey by exploring the map. To continue the experience, follow the Street Art Project link.
Scientific Drilling International (How Things Are Made, Occupations)
Welcome to the 360 degree Virtual Tour of Scientific Drilling International — Applied Technologies Center. The Applied Technologies Center is where Scientific Drilling International’s engineers, designs, develops, tests and builds electronic tools and equipment utilized by the oil & gas industry. The tour will transport you through the Applied Technologies Center, providing information and media across multiple stages of the design, manufacturing, and testing process.
Holocaust Memorial Museum Tour (Museums)
A living memorial to the Holocaust, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum inspires citizens and leaders worldwide to confront hatred, prevent genocide, and promote human dignity. Tour the Museum’s Online Exhibits and learn from the world’s leading online authority on the Holocaust. Information on the site is available in 16 languages.
Pricing
Digital Human Library offers 5 tiers of pricing for public libraries based on population served.
Please contact us for pricing!
Join the thousands of Canadian librarians who are already using virtual tours and virtual reality to engage their members in digital experiential learning.
Questions?
Check out our FAQs page or contact us to learn more!
