A multimedia software in the Grandmaster's Palace, Valletta

Abstract

The Multimedia Software in the Grandmaster's Palace is an unprecedented attempt in developing a 3D virtual walkthrough in one of Malta's main historical buildings. The main aim of the software is to serve as a teaching aid for the appreciation and learning about various events, aspects and people who played important roles in Maltese history. The software makes extensive use of 3D modelling to provide the animated resources that work under the control of an interactive user interface. The environment created allows any user to freely explore and get on demand explanations. So as to aid in their learning, students are also supplied with sets of quests to accomplish. Although the 3D modelled rooms are not exact copies of reality the high quality 3D graphics accentuate the beauty and important elements of the setting. Hence, the aim is to deliver interactive movement inside a 3D scene with the best quality graphics possible. Owing to its nature, the implementation of a dynamic 3D walkthrough in the Grandmasters' Palace moves away from the structures used in traditional multimedia packages, towards the strategies used in many commercial walkthrough games.