8/30/00
CSIT: IT1 Web Structure  http://aspen.csit.fsu.edu/it1fall00
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Web Technologies in a Nutshell - VRML
•VRML plays same role to 3D worlds that HTML does to documents
•VRML 1.0 has been widely available and specifies static 3D scenes through which you can navigate. Already provides universal visualization environment and we have examples of use In Geographical Information Systems
–Note can embed clickable URL's as with ImageMaps which can be used to annotate images to provide interactive resources
•VRML 2.0 is now the standard with critical enhancements so that individual elements of 3D world are dynamic and can be programmed
–It is designed to support full interactivity (televirtuality) with texture mapped video, avatars etc.
–VRML 2.0 could require huge computing resources whether used as the virtual car-dealership / interactivity gaming or more academic uses such as collaboration between teachers and students in 3D virtual classroom
•Bandwidth and computing needs of VRML are handicapping acceptance and appears that VRML will NOT “make it” -- replacement unclear
–Microsoft ChromeEffects (XML based) and
–Java3D address some but not all VRML applications
–X3D is XML syntax for VRML
–SVG is XML for Vector Graphics Primitives (much more limited but perhaps more realistic than VRML)