Zug,20.01.2009
A three-dimensional Zug
Lucerne paved the way. Now the city of Zug will also be three-dimensional with the internet program from Google-Earth. For the time being, the whole thing isn’t yet so impressive.
We have the Zuger Office of Tourism to thank. Together with the Hergiswil company Virtual Graphixx, who created three-dimensional, true-to-scale computer model representation of important buildings in the Zuger old town center such as the Zytturn, the Rathaus, the towers as well as the Morgarten monument on the Lake of Aegeri and placed them into the right landscape.
Not yet in Google Earth
There is a problem, according to the media release. Due to current quality controls being carried out by Google, the buildings can not yet be seen on the main program but must be accessed over a link from the Zug Tourism website. Once on the site one can easily study the buildings from all sides. The individual buildings are currently standing alone in the landscape but when one zooms in even details come to view, for example, the freskos on the Stadthaus.
Virtual and later real visit
This online presence is a new, up until now a rather unusual advertising tool, according to the director of Zug Tourism, Urs Raschle. He sees great potential in the project. “Internet users the world over will be able to discover our charming city from the comfort of their homes”. He is convinced that some guests will want to experience the city in real life after their virtual visit. In addition, it is a valuable service for Zuger who want to show friends and relatives their home town.
Zuger Tourism has ambitious plans
From the standpoint of Zug Tourism and Virtual Graphixx, the current buildings are however only the beginning of a long process. Together they will show partners and sponsors the possibility of how they can get their building on Google Earth. The offer is especially attractive for hotels who would have the possibility of a virtual guest booking a room in a hotel.