Through 3-D RT (Real Time) technology similar to that found in video games, two professors here at Saint Louis University, James Ginther, Ph.D., and Jay Hammond, Ph.D., have developed an interactive, three-dimensional virtual tour of the renowned Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi in Assisi, Italy.

The tour is all from the first person perspective in order to complete the “immersion experience,” said Hammond. In other words, one can literally feel as though walking through a cathedral, although if the walking pace is too slow there is the option of running the length of the basilica instead.

Turning off the gravity controls enables the fly option, which allows the users to watch themselves to the top of the basilica, lending a clear view of the ceiling and upper-wall artwork that is less visible from the floor.

The basilica has no lack of 13th-century art, which covers the walls and ceiling. Each piece depicts a different moment in biblical history.

The program allows users the option of selecting individual opening a screen will give a thorough background and theological context for the image. Hammond said there were approximately 40,000 words included in the program due to all the artwork descriptions that it provides.

An earthquake that struck Italy in 1997 destroyed or damaged much of the basilica’s artwork. Pictures that were used for the program were taken before the damage.

Users can zoom close to the pictures on the wall. While many video games have a tendency to become pixilated, that is not a problem in the virtual Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi.

It is constructed from over 4000 photos, seamlessly stitched to make it virtually impossible to tell where one photo ends and another begins.

Hammond and Ginther focused specially on lighting and images in order to create the most realistic and detailed pictures possible at any distance.

Specially created to run without a hitch on most home computers, The Virtual Cathedral of Saint Francis of Assisi is available for purchase at either www.digitaltheology.org or www.amazon.com for around $50.

An expansion pack including tours of the lower church and underground crypt, and containg artwork descriptions that will talk to users is currently in production.

The innovative software was developed through the non-profit organization SacraTech Foundation, which will funnel the profit it makes into scholarships and other helpful programs.