Web-based virtual ecotourism and 3D e-commerce of Thai handicraft products

• Main Authors: Che Mat, Ruzinoor, Yeekhade, Haleem
• Other Authors: Kayat, Kalsom
• Format: Book Section
• Language: English
• Published: Universiti Utara Malaysia 2006
• Subjects: G Geography (General); T Technology (General)
• Online Access: http://repo.uum.edu.my/3826/1/Ruz.pdf; http://repo.uum.edu.my/3826/; http://lintas.uum.edu.my:8080/elmu/index.jsp?module=webopac-l&action=fullDisplayRetriever.jsp&szMaterialNo=0000294154
• Institution: Universiti Utara Malaysia

Recently, Virtual Reality (VR) is becoming more important in the world of ecotourism, especially as a tool for tourism promotion and as a tourist destination itself(e.g computer generated amusements in leisure parks and virtual theme parks).Web-based Virtual Ecotourism and E-Commerce sites also begun to appear in the internet; promising to make the virtual traveling and also e-shopping are more natural, attractive, and fun experience.Ecotourism activities have been expanding rapidly world wide and it is expected in the future because ecotourism is responsible for traveling to natural areas, conserves the environment, and sustains the well being of local people. This article discusses techniques and tools used to develop web-based virtual tour for ecotourism using 360° panoramic views. The system developments are using data base for handicraft product and VR images. 3D E-commerce of local Thai handicraft products is also implemented in this system.The review on how to apply web-based VR Panoramic and VR Object for virtual ecotourism are also provideds in this article.