The presidential inauguration of Barack Obama on Tuesday is shaping up to be the most photographed and filmed event of all time, thanks to the addition of user-generated content on the web.

CNN and Microsoft are collaborating to create a 3D walk-through of the inauguration using thousands of photos submitted by members of the public.

Pictures from users of cell phones and digital cameras at the event will be processed by Microsoft’s photosynth engine and fused together through common details to create a 3D environment.

“From the vast sweep of the crowd to a close-up on the new president’s raised hand, every angle of this historic moment will be frozen in time,” says the press release. The results will be shown on-air and online here.

This sounds more impressive than the bizarre holograms of its reporters that CNN used on election night. The news channel is also linking up with Facebook for the inauguration, allowing users to chat with one another around live video of the event.

Not to be outdone, Harris Corporation, the communications company, has been broadcasting high-definition pictures of the inauguration parade route since noon on Friday and is offering 3D virtual views of downtown Washington DC.

Rawer footage is on offer from TrafficLand, which collates video from thousands of traffic cameras worldwide. It is plugging its camera atop the Willard Hotel, which it says has sweeping views of Pennsylvania Avenue and the US Capitol.

And then there’s the aerial shot. GeoEye, which provides google with its satellite pictures, is promising the view from space.

Of course, there will be instant Flickr and Twitpic uploads from everyone there and Qik video streaming from mobile phones.

So, as far as the family album and your Flickr site goes, no need to bring a camera Senator Obama, I think you might be covered.

January 19, 2009 3:00am in Digital media, Internet | Comment