Foundations of Spatial Computing and Applications in Augmented and Virtual Reality
The organizer of this teaching unit and its evaluation is the Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences of the University of Fribourg. Note that the registration procedure and deadlines are different from the JMCS (see below in the comment field).
Spatial computing, 3D geometry basics, Augmented Reality (AR), and Virtual Reality (VR). This course aims to familiarize students with the fundamentals of spatial computing in order to acquire the knowledge needed to develop simple yet interactive web-based applications in desktop, AR, and VR environments.
The course is structured as follows:
- Theoretical part that introduces the fundamentals of 3D geometry and the computational frameworks underlying spatial computing, including WebGL and Three.js, and related web-based technologies and equipment for interactive 3D visualization.
- Practical part where the students will learn how to apply spatial computing principles to design and develop interactive 3D applications, focusing on geometric transformations, scene composition, and real-time rendering in web-based desktop, AR, and VR environments.
- Project part that allows students to apply their creativity by developing an interactive web-based application, such as a game, serious game, visualization tool, or immersive AR/VR experience, demonstrating the integration of geometry, interaction, and spatial computing concepts.
The theoretical part will introduce the core computer graphics principles underlying the representation, transformation, and visualization of 3D geometry. It will cover the graphics pipeline, including geometric primitives, coordinate systems, and transformation matrices, and conclude with an overview of rendering and interaction concepts in desktop, AR, and VR environments.
The practical part and project development will be based on the open-source Three.js (https://threejs.org/), a JavaScript 3D library, which is widely used for web-based 3D graphics. Students will learn the core components of Three.js, including how to create and manage scenes, cameras, lights, materials, meshes, and renderers.
As for the project development, students will be required to choose a topic, marking the beginning of their specialization phase, during which they will focus on applying the acquired knowledge to a specific area of spatial computing. It will be organized in pairs of two, allowing students to choose their project partners and topics of interest freely.
At least basic knowledge of JavaScript is necessary for this course.
A laptop is needed for the practical exercises and the project part.
Details
| Code | 53130 |
| Type | Course |
| ECTS | 5 |
| Site | Fribourg |
| Track(s) |
T5 – Information Systems and Decision Support |
| Semester | S2026 |
Teaching
| Learning Outcomes |
|
| Lecturer(s) |
Iva Vasic Jesus Muñoz Cadiz |
| Language | english |
| Course Page | The course page can be found at https://www.unifr.ch/timetable/en/course.html?show=130213. |
Schedules and Rooms
| Period | Weekly |
| Schedule | Monday, 15:15 -18:00 |
| Location | UniFR, PER17 |
| Room | 001 |
Additional information
| Comment | First Lecture Course and Exam Registration |