Virtual Reconstruction

The virtual reconstruction of Greely’s expedition house was a multi-disciplinary process involving computer science, geomatics engineering, history, and architecture. The building you are viewing was literally built piece-by-piece, as it would have been in 1881 at Fort Conger, except in virtual reality. Move your mouse over each image to read its caption. Click on each image to view a larger version.

Construction 1881

Images in this gallery show the construction of the Greely house in 1881 from august 13th to august 23rd

The images in this gallery show the kitchen area. One wall contains shelves filled with labelled cans and boxes of 19th century food and condiments. A table is visible and has been set with transfer print ceramic plates and mugs. A large cast iron stove and oven sit in the corner.

The images in this gallery provide a panoramic view of the enlisted quarters. Narrow beds line both walls. A long table with chairs runs down the center of the space. Rifles are visible in a rack and clothing is hung on hooks along the walls. The room is lit by sunlight and kerosene lamps.

The images in this gallery provide a panoramic view of Adolphus Greely's quarters. Greely's desk and bed are located by the window. A bookcase filled with books is visible in the background. As we move around in 360 degrees, other features of the expedition house become visible, including the pendulum, Lockwood's quarters, and a doorway leading to other areas within the house.

The images in this gallery provide a panoramic view of James Booth Lockwood's quarters. As we move 360 degrees around the space, we see Lockwood's bed with a desk beside a window. On the desk sits a telescope and some books. Clothing is hung above the bed. Also visible from Lockwood's space is Greely's quarters, the pendulum room, and a doorway leading to other areas of the expedition house

The images in this gallery provide a panoramic view of the science area. Shelves along both walls of this narrow space are filled with a variety of scientific instruments, including chronometers and wind speed recorders. Bookshelves and a small bed are also visible.

The images in this gallery provide a rotating view of the ship Proteus. As the ship turns 360 degrees, various details are revealed. Three masts plus rigging and a smoke stack are visible, as are deck features like the wheel house. Lifeboats hang from hooks on deck, and an American flag is visible on the stern.

The images in this gallery provide a rotating view of the ship HMS Discovery. The ship is depicted afloat in Discovery harbour with pans of ice all around. The ship has three masts plus rigging and her sails have been stowed. Lifeboats hang from hooks above the deck. Features such as the wheelhouse are visible on the deck. The post office cairn built by the British Arctic Expedition is visible on the shore.

The images in this gallery provide a panoramic view of the landscape surrounding Discovery harbour from the deck of the ship. Rocky hills are visible, as is a tent and the post office cairn built by members of the British Arctic Expedition. Pans of sea ice float in the harbour. Deck details include lifeboats hanging from hooks and the wheelhouse and ships wheel.

Sliding a vertical line back and forth across the two images reveals more of one and less of the other This allows the viewer to compare the accuracy of the virtual reconstruction of the construction of the expedition house against a historic photograph depicting the same subject.