FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF SRC 3D VIRTUAL REALITY CENTRE

The Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) is home to the first 3D Virtual Reality Centre in the province.

Opened in 2005, the Centre's equipment and software is designed to take data and build three-dimensional models that give life to the information, in full colour, onto three large screens. There are several industries for which applications of 3D virtual reality imaging can be used including: energy, mining and minerals, forestry, climatology, agriculture, health, environment, biotechnology and synchrotron research activities.

"The advancement and use of 3D technology is the latest example of Saskatchewan's long tradition of innovation, a tradition that SRC epitomizes," Industry and Resources Minister Eric Cline said. "The Centre will be a resource to all our key sectors resulting in more efficient processes, successful businesses, better goods and services and high quality jobs."

"Canada's New Government supports the advancement of science and technology research, which is essential to higher productivity and a strong economy," Blackstrap MP Lynne Yelich said on behalf of Minister of National Revenue and Minister of Western Economic Diversification Carol Skelton. "We are excited about the Virtual Reality Centre because it is helping Saskatchewan researchers to explore and expand uranium, potash, diamond and gold mining using 3D technology."

"The SRC 3D Virtual Reality Centre helps SRC to remain a leader in attracting and growing R&D investment and technology commercialization in Saskatchewan," SRC President and CEO Dr. Laurier Schramm commented. "This aligns with our mission to help the people of Saskatchewan strengthen the economy with quality jobs and a secure environment."

"The SRC 3D Virtual Reality Centre has proven to be very valuable in our exploration work as it improves our ability to merge large volumes of data into a coherent 3D model," JNR Resources Inc. Exploration Manager Dave Billard said. "It has aided in our planning of current and future exploration programs and our understanding of resource deposits."

Approximately 20 per cent of the SRC 3D Virtual Reality Centre's operating time is dedicated to the University of Saskatchewan research activity. The remaining 80 per cent is available for SRC to develop, demonstrate and deploy solutions to industry problems.

The SRC 3D Virtual Reality Centre was completed at a cost of $735,000 and was funded by SRC and the Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan through the Canada-Saskatchewan Western Economic Partnership Agreement. The Centre was also built with in-kind support of system design and operation from the University of Saskatchewan.

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For More Information, Contact:

Kenelm Grismer Saskatchewan Research Council Saskatoon Phone: (306) 933-6758 Email: grismer@src.sk.ca	Jean Collins WD Saskatoon Phone: (306) 975-5965 Email: jean.collins@wd.gc.ca
Bob Ellis Industry and Resources Regina Phone: (306) 787-1691 Email: bob.ellis@gov.sk.ca