Implemented as an extension to the existing Makerspace, the ITL adds enhanced visualisation services to the library's existing data visualisation support service offering and expands on the Makerspace's existing suite of 3D content creation and editing services. In doing so, the ITL integrates existing data visualisation literacy training services, virtual reality (VR) head-mount display experience services, and new research data visualisation services into one consolidated immersive visualisation environment. This uniquely positions the ITL as an interdisciplinary research support service at SU, accessible to students and faculty members across the whole spectrum of academic disciplines.

The ITL is a virtual and augmented reality visualisation space that provides 50m² of in-room panoramic visualisation across a 270° display area.  It was designed as a "true immersive" projection-based experience, sized at 45 PPD (pixels per degree) and with a room and projector layout that is conducive for future 12K content image rendering. In practice, this means that staff and students using the ITL will experience being visually immersed in a project – applying technologies such as virtual and augmented reality to create deeply engaging, simulated experiences for education, research, training, and industry. Examples of practical use could be nursing students practising hospital procedures; engineers, being 'in' virtual 3D models of construction sites; and creating climate science models, such as translating invisible greenhouse gas data into visible, understandable experiences.

To investigate how the ITL can enhance your coursework or enrich traditional-style classroom lecturing, please contact your faculty librarian to assist with an appointment or contact the Head: Makerspace, Mr Norman Hebler, directly at [email protected].