People of a certain age know what the “holodeck” within “Star Trek” is.
The “holodeck” was (potentially could be) a room in which a computer generated reality is interacted with – a virtual reality realization machine.
This tool, within the Star Trek universe was a key component of leisure, strategy and experiential knowledge gathering. A virtual space, much like an empty theater stage, but with computer generated interactive content.
I am strongly of the opinion that a Google Maps virtual tour used in a sufficiently agile way, begins to give some of this functionality. In much the same way that a computer game-world is anchored to reality through concept, semiotics and design, a virtual tour anchors a momentary reality in a virtual world-space.
Viewpoint, or virtual reality, depends solely on the viewer. A virtual tour realizes one moment in real-time within a virtual space. Retaining, like a fly in amber, the nuances of that moment. The (real world) moment itself cannot be changed, but our potential future (real) interactions with the digital copy of that moment can be unlimited.
I am also a fan of the French philosopher Jean Baudrillard (1929-2007), who defined in Simulacra and simulation (1981), the “simulacrum.”
In essence (a dangerous word) a simulacra is as real as any preceding reality, much more so in a virtualized world. Like “Schrodinger’s cat (1935),” there a many possible virtual realities, or from a user utility view point, functionalities, of a virtual tour.
At a basic level, we are now able to build and scale replica realities, interact with visualized content, develop screen in screen utility, and stitch multi channel communication into the tapestry of a virtual tour. The tour (through directed perspective) becomes an immersive experience, catering to all our multi media and sensory channels.
Within the hyperlinked internet space it should be possible to map numerous schema onto any part of a digital image.
YouTube Advertising 30 sec. Video Clip
Interactive Maps
Interactive Video Sequences – Production Process
Integrated Production Floor 360° Virtual Tour
Screen in Screen – Overlays
High Quality “Point of Interest” Photos
YourJeep – Video 
Shareable Content – Social Links
#AR – Augmented Reality #DM – Digital Marketing
Note. This is a reprint of a September 2015 article. There has been significant evolution since then with potential convergence from Project Tango, DeepMind and higher quality 360°
