Qatar National Library — Immersive Virtual Tour
Launch: August 2025
Overview
Doha Pano Media engineered a browser-based 360° experience that brings Qatar National Library to anyone, anywhere. The tour combines high-resolution panoramas with intuitive wayfinding—users can plot routes, jump via a 3D map, or browse from a structured directory. It’s fully bilingual (Arabic/English) and includes Text-to-Speech, keyboard navigation, and high-contrast options within a Mada-accredited Accessibility Mode. Seamless Day/Night visuals, ambient audio, and certified-pilot aerial views add context and comfort. Designed for speed and clarity, the UI scales across devices without installs, ensuring the widest possible access to QNL’s spaces and services.
“As an institution committed to inclusivity and innovation, we are proud to offer a tour that invites the world into Qatar National Library—ensuring that everyone, wherever they are, can explore our spaces and cultural heritage.”
— Mohammed Saif, Communications Director, QNL
View the experience: virtualtour.qnl.qa
Experience Highlights
Guided Navigation
Plot a clear route from any start point to any destination inside the library. Step-by-step movement, scene markers, and pause/resume controls keep visitors oriented at all times. Users can reroute on the fly, making it ideal for goal-based journeys (e.g., entrance → Heritage Library → study area). Keyboard support and on-screen prompts ensure the guidance remains accessible.
Interactive 3D Map
Pan, zoom, and click directly on a 3D map to teleport into a space—perfect for quick, non-linear exploration. Hover labels, visual focus states, and a “you are here” indicator make spatial context effortless. The map syncs with the active scene, so visitors always know where they are and what’s nearby.
Side Menu Directory
A structured, easy-to-scan list of spaces and services organized by floors and categories. One-click “go to” actions reduce friction, while collapsed groups prevent information overload. The directory mirrors the map and route planner so users can switch modes without losing their place.
Smart Search
Jump directly to a location by typing a name (e.g., “Heritage Library”). Results appear instantly with clear labels; selecting a result takes you straight to the corresponding scene. The search field is available wherever you are in the tour, supporting efficient, task-centric navigation.
Day/Night Mode
Toggle between visual environments for comfort and realism. The scene lighting, skybox, and ambient tone adjust without disrupting readability or interface contrast. This is especially useful for demonstrations in different environments (meeting rooms, classrooms, kiosks).
Language Switcher Arabic & English
Switch the entire interface and content between Arabic and English instantly. Labels, tooltips, and menus update comprehensively so mixed audiences can navigate together. Bilingual support extends to hotspots and informational overlays for a consistent experience.
Text-to-Speech
Listen to key descriptions and guidance—useful for visitors who prefer auditory learning or benefit from spoken content. Playback can be started/stopped as needed, and works alongside keyboard navigation and screen-reader support.
Aerial Views (Certified Drone Pilots)
Contextual exterior shots, captured by certified drone pilots, provide orientation before you step inside virtually. Aerial perspectives help visitors understand the library’s footprint and surroundings, enriching the story of arrival and movement.
Accessibility & Mada-Accredited Development
Built by Doha Pano Media’s Mada-accredited accessibility developers. The tour’s Accessibility Mode is accredited by Mada, ensuring recognized standards alignment, assistive-technology compatibility, and inclusive, real-world usability. Our process included keyboard-only flows, screen-reader QA, contrast and zoom checks, and cross-browser/device testing.
Impact
The virtual tour expands QNL’s reach worldwide—showcasing architecture, collections, and services through a bilingual, standards-based experience that sets a regional benchmark for accessible cultural content.
News & Mentions
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