Virtual Reality: A Tool for Cartographic Visualization

Visualization methods in the analysis of geographical datasets are based on static models, which restrict the visual analysis capabilities. The use of virtual reality, which is a three-dimensional (3D) perspective, gives the user the ability to change viewpoints and models dynamically overcomes the static limitations of two-dimensional (2D) views. Based on this, the paper highlights the importance, characteristic and classification of Virtual Reality as a tool in data visualization. The paper also outlines real life applications of Virtual Reality as a means of visualization. The distinction between Virtual Reality and Cartography is also presented. This paper also attempts to outline the Virtual Reality Modelling Language (VRML), which is a scene description language for developing Virtual Reality. Keywords:Visualization, Virtual reality, Virtual Reality Modelling Language (VRML), Cartography Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 28 (1) 2008 pp. 136-14

An Investigation into the use of the Virtual Reality Modelling Language (VRML) as a Means of Distribution Virtual Reality Tourist Information Across the World Wide Web

The purpose of the work described was to investigate the use of the Virtual Reality Modelling Language (VRML) as a tool to distribute tourist information across the web. This was done by the creation of a web site containing two Virtual Reality models of tourist interest. These were then valuated using a number of techniques both online and offline. This paper describes the methods used to create and evaluate these models as well as giving a overview of some of the results obtained

Pemasaran Perumahan Menggunakan Teknologi Virtual Reality Modelling Language (VRML) (Studi Kasus PT Graha Pradipta)

Competition in the property business has intensified as the economy grows. Property entrepreneurs compete for the attention of potential customers by making use of advertising media. Promotional activities by using digital interactive media provide several advantages such as no more brochures or printed ads. Prospective customers only need to access information using their computers, saving costs, as well as cut the time in marketing. VRML can be used in the fields of architecture, namely in terms of visualizing the house that promoted. The purpose of this study is to create a residential house marketing system using the web-based Virtual Reality Modelling Language (VRML). Methods of data collection is done by using interview, literature and documentation methods. The method used is the Waterfall development, starting from analysis, design, followed by coding the house types from 3DS MAX file, then converted to VRML format (.wrl). Conversion results are then broken down to produce VRML files with sizes smaller than the original file, in order to speed up the loading process on the website. System testing was conducted by the Alpha and Beta test. The research has produced a Web3D site that is able to complement house marketing activities in the form of visualization of 3D models. Based on the testing that has been done, the conclusion obtained from the research was that the generated Web3D site can help PT SETIA GRAHA PRADIPTA in their attempt to market the house, and also can assist visitors to view the house visualization in the form of 3D object

Primjena jezika za modeliranje virtualne realnosti za računalom podržan sustav upravljanja robotom ROANS

The paper presents results of Virtual Reality Modelling Language (VRML) application to Computer Aided Robot Control (CARC) system ROANS. VRML is description language, which belongs to a field Window on World virtual reality system. VRML 2.0 is the file format for describing interactive 3D scenes and objects. It can be used in collaboration with www, can be used for 3D complex representations creating of scenes, products or virtual reality applications. VRML 2.0 enables represent static and animated objects too. CARC is a subsystem of the Computer Integrated Manufacturing system including the computer aided systems of all activities connected with realization and working of robotized workcells. Interesting application of VRML is in area of automated manufacturing systems design and presentation.U radu su prikazani rezultati Virtual Reality Modelling Language (VRML) aplikacije za Computer Aided Robot Control (CARC) sustav ROANS. VRML je jezik za opis, koji spada u polje Window on World sustava virtualne realnosti. VRML 2.0 je format datoteke za opisivanje interaktivnih 3D objekata i scena. Može se koristiti u suradnji s www, može se koristiti za 3D prikaze stvaranja složenih scena, proizvoda ili aplikacija virtualne realnosti. VRML 2.0 omogućuje predstavljanje i statičkih i animiranih objekata. CARC je podsustav sustava računalom integrirane proizvodnje, uključujući sustave za računalno potpomognuto sve aktivnosti vezane uz realizaciju i rad robotiziranih radnih ćelija. Zanimljiva primjena VRML je u području projektiranja i predstavljanja automatiziranog proizvodnog sustav

Spatialized streaming audio in multi-user virtual training environments

Dans cet article, nous décrivons l'ajout d'une communication audio 3D au Virtual Reality Modelling Language (VRML). Celui-ci permet la communication vocale directe entre participants des environnements virtuels d'entraînement. Afin d'obtenir les meilleurs résultats possibles, nous avons étudié divers modèles acoustiques spatiaux et diverses possibilités actuelles du langage VRML. L'adaptation d'un modèle acoustique 3D aux caractéristiques des environnements-cibles d'entraînement médical, ainsi que l'intégration -indépendante de la plateforme utilisée- d'un système de streaming média au langage VRML constituent notre contribution au développement de ces environnements

Usefulness of VRML building models in a direction finding context

This paper describes an experiment which aims to examine the effectiveness and efficiency of a Virtual Reality Modelling Language (VRML) building model compared with equivalent architectural plans, for direction finding purposes. The effectiveness and efficiency issues being primarily investigated were number of tasks completed overall and task completion times. The experiment involved a series of tasks where participants had to find a number of locations/objects in a building unknown to them at the outset of the experiment. Statistically significant results are presented for the benefit of the research community, law enforcement officers and fire fighters where it is clear that in this context, the VRML model led to better task completions than the equivalent architectural plans. Regarding the task completion times, no statistical significance was found. Given the current climate of security issues and terrorist threats, it is important that law enforcement officers have at their disposal the best information possible regarding the layout of a building, whilst keeping costs down. This also applies to fire fighters when rescuing victims. This experiment has shown that a VRML model leads to better task completions in direction finding

APPLICATION OF THE VIRTUAL REALITY MODELLING LANGUAGE IN AUTOMATED TECHNOLOGICAL WORKPLACES DESIGN

Virtual Reality Modelling Language (VRML) is a description language belonging to a field of the Window of the virtual World reality system. The file, which is in VRML format, can be interpreted by the VRML explorer in three-dimensional view. VRML was created with the aim of more easily representing virtual reality on the Internet. The development of 3D graphics is connected with Silicon Graphic Corporation. VRML 2.0 is the file format for describing interactive 3D scenes and objects. It can be used in collaboration with www, and it can be used for complex 3D representations in the creation of scenes, products or VR applications. VRML 2.0 enables representative static and animated objects, too. One interesting application of VRML is in the area of automated manufacturing systems design and presentation

3D character centred online editing modalities for VRML-based virtual environments

The subject of this thesis belongs to the area of computer graphics, particularly, to the domain of graphics modelling. This thesis presents experiments in\ud graphics modelling, namely in the application of graphics modelling principles to virtual reality (VR), with an interaction approach that is typical to VR systems.\ud Our approach takes advantage of novel graphics primitives that take the form of sets of vertices, of non-standard approaches to interface construction with the use of controls integrated into the 3D environment and also of the\ud advantages that the widget technologies are offering. A number of information visualisation, interaction and manipulation options have been adapted to our case, to provide a 3D character editing virtual environment that is easy to use, aimed at novice users and beyond. The resulting system is an implementation based on the Virtual Reality Modelling Language (VRML), which means we are using a visualisation tool that is at the same time the target environment for the resulting 3D characters. This leaves room for experimentations in 3D visualisation and interaction techniques, a field that currently lacks in widely accepted standards, specifications or recommendations

Realiti maya dalam pendidikan sains: Potensi dan implikasi terhadap pengajaran dan pembelajaran sel haiwan

Kertas kerja ini bertujuan untuk membincangkan potensi dan aplikasi sistem pembelajaran baru yang dibina dengan menggunakan teknologi realiti maya. Teknologi realiti maya adalah satu teknologi baru yang amat berpotensi untuk digunakan secara meluas dalam pengajaran dan pembelajaran. Potensi realiti maya termasuklah keupayaan untuk mempersembahkan bahan pembelajaran dalam bentuk tiga dimensi (3D), menyokong pembelajaran dalam konteks pandangan orang pertama (first person perspective), visualisasi konsep yang abstrak, menyokong persembahan bahan pembelajaran dalam pelbagai dimensi, menyokong pembelajaran aktif dan menyokong pembelajaran penerokaan. Namun demikian sebagaimana teknologi instruksional yang lain, realiti maya bukanlah satu ubat yang sesuai digunakan dalam semua situasi pembelajaran. Dalam kertas kerja ini, cadangan dibuat untuk menerapkan penggunaan realiti maya dalam pembelajaran sains. Satu prototaip perisian instruksional berasaskan realiti maya telah dibangunkan dan dinilai di kalangan guru pelatih sains. Hasil daripada penilaian mendapati bahawa responden berpandangan positif terhadap penggunaan teknologi realiti maya dalam pembelejaran sains