d business planning. Many applications are worlds that are very similar to our own, like CAD or architectural modeling. Some applications provide ways of viewing from an advantageous perspective not possible with the real world, like scientific simulators and tele-presence systems or air traffic control systems. Other applications are much different from anything we have ever directly experienced before. These latter applications may be the hardest and most interesting systems. Visualizing the ebb and flow of the world's financial markets. Navigating a large corporate information base, etc. Virtual Reality in Education: The Virtual Chemistry LabBuilding a chemistry lab in a high school is often cost-prohibitive. First, there is the cost of the chemistry professor, a recurring cost of say $35,000 per year. Next, the cost of the lab and lab equipment is very expensive. Finally, finding the space in the school, installing the proper chemical and fire safety systems, and having the lab inspected and approved for use. Moreover, let us not forget the liability insurance costs. Enter the Virtual Chemistry Lab. Visually its a podium with a VR headset and glove. A student puts on the VR equipment, logs in with their student ID and begins their lab session. Immediately they are immersed in a virtual high school chem. lab. Looking around they see beakers, flasks, scales, Bunsen burners and many chemicals. Following the instructions of the virtual teacher, they perform their required chemistry experiments. They mix chemicals, apply heat, observe and log the results, and, occasionally cause an explosion. If the class period ends in the middle of an experiment, they can "save" the experiment in midstream, and continue the following day exactly where they left off, chemicals under heat and all.VR in Business: Stock Market Analysis The June 1992 issue of Forbes magazine discusses data visualization used in the stock market. Streams of market data creat...
