Immersive Imagery to Help Christchurch Rebuild Post-Earthquake

NEWTON, Mass., June 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Almost four months after its 6.3 magnitude earthquake, the city of Christchurch, New Zealand is getting ready to rebuild, and a series of panoramic images shot by Jason Mill, an EveryScape Ambassador, are providing critical assistance. Together with the Christchurch City Council, Mill has launched a website - http://www.shareanidea.org.nz/everyscape- which lets you explore large 360-degree panoramic images of damaged sections of the city and, using a split screen, view side-by-side images of the streets and buildings before and after the earthquake.

Mill, a New Zealand native and 3D modeling expert, used technology created by EveryScape that converts 2D photographs into incredibly realistic 360-degree images – "scapes" – that immerse the viewer into the scene. Since 2009, Mill has been capturing images of Christchurch streets and businesses as part of EveryScape's ongoing project to "scape" the world. Following February's earthquake, Mill quickly reshot images to document the damage, create a way to visualize the before and after, and aid in the rebuilding program.

"When the earthquake happened it was, of course, gut wrenching to see the damage to my city. As soon as it was safe, the natural thing for me to do was grab my camera and get out there to shoot new images," said Mill. "These panoramic images put the viewer at the heart of the scene – visually and emotionally. Meshing the before and after scapes tell a powerful story."

"Technology is playing an increasingly pivotal role during times of disaster. If immersive imagery can contribute even a small part to the overall recovery and rebuilding effort, then we are humbled to be a part of it," said EveryScape CEO, Jim Schoonmaker.

About EveryScape, Inc.

EveryScape invented the technology that transforms still photos or iPhone videos of a business or landmark into a 360-degree online presence that allows people to "walk around" and explore as if they were there in person. By mimicking a locale's real-world presence, viewers can get instant answers to otherwise subjective questions regarding the location – answers that cannot be answered by text and flat imagery alone. EveryScape's technology is distributed through a network of leading portals, including immersive search for Microsoft BING as well as through their own visual dining guide, EveryScape Eats!, available online and as a free iPhone app. The latest application of EveryScape's technology is a free iOS app, UScapeit.  Using the iPhone's video camera, UScapeit lets users turn quick iPhone videos into 360 degree panoramas of a specific place or experience, and then share them with friends via email or Facebook.

EveryScape is headquartered in Newton, Mass. and is venture backed by SK Telecom Americas, Dace Ventures, Draper Fisher Jurvetson, Draper Fisher New England, Draper Atlantic and Launchpad Venture Group. Find out more at www.everyscape.com.

SOURCE EveryScape