If we take Second Life as an example of a “virtual world,” it enables people who are physically not in the same place to come together in a virtual – but imaginary – space.

What’s exciting about a 3D GPS system is that it effectively takes the concept of a virtual world futher, to become a virtual representation of the *real* world. It’s not really useful “studying” a bridge in Second Life for its construction methods or design, because you can make a bridge in a virtual world that can’t possibly be made in the real world.

But if there are a group of real students standing in front of a real bridge, and their location there can be pinpointed by the GPS systems they are carrying, then students who are not physically present can interact with real people standing at the real bridge. The real people could “see” those virtual students at the bridge using their 3D GPS systems, which would render an avatar of those students on screen at the location. The real students would also show up as avatars on screen, identifiable as being on-location.

Such a system would become the ultimate convergence of reality and virtuality. A person on the other side of the earth could request an image or video view of a particular feature of the bridge – perhaps a commemorative plaque with important historical information; or a picture of the rivets to see the joining methods used.

Yes – to some extent, existing 2D GPS technology could be used to simlate this learning activity. However, the interactive nature of such a system predisposes itself to an avatar-based interface, rather than “communicating” with a dot on a map!

You’re suggesting that for instance the learner would walk around a physical space, let’s say a historic place of interest, and has a mobile device with GPS and the necessary software to display the location in 3D.

But if they are already in the location, why would they need it to be displayed in 3D? I can see why a driver would need visual help if they’re entering a road system like the one in the promo picture, but the great thing about being in the location where you learn something is that you can actually take in the surroundings! The screen would just duplicate the environment they are in already. And if they’re not there, but in a virtual version of the space in which a 3D representation would be adding something – then they don’t need GPS tracking. The virtual space would just be map-based like any gaming environment.

All the benefits you’re describing (indicating ‘checkpoints’, serving of location-relevant content, collaboration with other users – virtual or in situ) are benefits of having a location-based service available, which is a fantastic way of creating and enhancing mobile learning experiences. But how the 3D-factor fits in with that I’m not sure. Of course it looks cool, but there’s no real need for it.

Am I barking up a wrong tree?

Wolf.

There’s also talk of a GPS add-on being developed for the PSP