360° camera
Creating 360° learning assets with GoPro + WondaVR
The GoPro camera offers a low-cost solution for creating immersive 360° experiences, in video and photo format. Footage captured with the GoPro can then be edited in WondaVR – a VR learning platform – to create interactive, immersive learning assets.
- Ideal for virtual orientation around labs and hard-to-access areas.
- Allows you to engage students with interactive content (e.g. you can add hotspots and quizzes to your images and videos).
Lab safety (pilot project by Joana dos Santos and Tamlyn Peel)
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Inside a Hyperbaric Chamber (Tamlyn Peel)
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Capturing Campus Spaces (James Moss)
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How to get started building 360 assets
- Contact feo.bsc@imperial.ac.uk to make arrangements to borrow the camera. Please note, this camera belongs to Phase 2 MBBS, so Phase 2 projects will be prioritised if the camera is in high demand.
The video below provides a good induction to the GoPro camera.
- See ‘Top tips’ below for more guidance on how to do this effectively.
- Connect your GoPro to your computer using the USB-C cable provided.
- Turn on the GoPro, and it should display “USB Connected.”
- On your computer, open File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac). Locate the GoPro folder under “This PC” or “Devices.”
- Navigate to the DCIM folder, where all your media files are stored.
WondaVR is a virtual reality learning and collaboration platform that allows users to create, edit, and share immersive experiences using 2D, 3D, and 360° media, accessible on VR headsets, mobile devices, tablets, and desktops. Follow the steps below to set up a free account and get started:
- Go to the WondaVR platform’s website.
- Click on the “Sign Up” or “Get Started for Free” button on the homepage.
- Fill in your details
- Optionally, you can sign up using a Google or Microsoft account for quicker access.
- Agree to the terms and conditions, then click “Create Account”.
- Once your account is created, log in to WondaVR.
- You will be prompted to create a workspace:
- Name your workspace (e.g., “Medical Education Projects”).
- This will serve as the hub for all your projects and media files.
- With the free version of WondaVR, you can:
- Create and manage one workspace.
- Develop up to three immersive experiences using 360° videos, photos, and interactive elements.
- Share your projects via public links or private invitations.
- Host multiplayer sessions with up to five participants, including audio interactions.
- If you require advanced features such as:
- Hosting larger multiplayer sessions (up to 50 participants),
- Advanced analytics,
- Unlimited experiences or workspaces,
You can contact e.blyth@imperial.ac.uk for information about licensing.
Top tips to get started with the GoPro camera
Here are some essential tips to help you get started with the GoPro camera:
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We recommend using the GoPro primarily for capturing still 360° photos rather than videos. 360° photos are much more manageable in terms of file size and they work more effectively as interactive learning assets.
- If you do use video mode, limit individual clips to around 90 seconds. This makes editing easier and avoids overwhelming your editing software with long, complex files.
- Stability is crucial for smooth 360° footage. Use the tripod or a solid selfie stick to minimise camera shake and ensure professional-looking results.
- The GoPro Max uses two cameras to capture 360° footage, and the images are “stitched” together. Pay attention to the stitch line, as misaligned pixels can be distracting:
- Avoid placing key subjects or objects along the stitch line.
- Practice positioning the camera to instinctively account for this.
- Since the camera captures everything around it, you’ll likely end up in the shot:
- Use the self-timer (3 or 10 seconds) to step out of frame.
- Alternatively, use voice commands (e.g., “GoPro, start recording”) for hands-free operation.
- The GoPro Max supports voice commands, making it easier to operate without touching the camera. Familiarise yourself with commands like:
- “GoPro, take a photo”
- “GoPro, stop recording”