In just a few weeks, 7,500 students, traveling with Education First Tours Canada, will get to experience SimWave‘s new Vimy Ridge virtual reality experience. This will happen just before the Vimy memorial, which is happening on April 10th.
The Vimy Ridge in Virtual Reality experience was designed by SimWave, a Kanata North-based company, to commemorate the great acts of Canadian soldiers. They have recreated the monumental moments so that people can get a small glimpse into what the soldiers went through in battle. The virtual reality experience will give students a unique learning experience — one that, before now, wasn’t possible.
For those who interact with the experience, they will learn more about the artillery used during WWI, the underground excavations as well as the trenches of Vimy. They will also get to see the strategy that was used for the bombardment, the uniforms that were worn during battle and why Vimy was such a historical moment for Canada and France.
SimWave’s Vimy Ridge in Virtual Reality is a 3D, fully immersive experience that is powered by Oculus Rift technology. It features impeccable graphic design, created by the in-house SimWave design team, using Unity and Adobe Creative Suite. It also leverages Leap Motion Technology so that VR users can physically interact with the scene, handle a bayonet and the Lewis gun in 3D.
On March 20th, the team from SimWave loaded up the virtual reality booth and prepared to ship it off to France but not before making a stop at the Royal Canadian Regiment Museum in London, Ontario. They’ve been sharing a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to bring technology overseas over on their blog and it’s been fascinating to watch.
We live in an incredible time where technology can help us to remember and commemorate those who have fought for our freedoms. We honour our troops who have given their lives serving Canada.
Photos were provided to us by SimWave.
