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 — VRML : the technology
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VRML stands for 'Virtual Reality Modeling Language'. It was designed to create a more friendly and interesting environment for the World Wide Web. 

VRML incorporates 3-D shapes, colors, textures, and sounds to produce both models of individual objects and 'virtual worlds' that a user could walk and fly through. 

It uses a platform-independent file format for sharing 3D worlds.  VRML worlds can be interactive and animated, and can include embedded hyperlinks to other Web documents.

If you are a beginner, the ten most important things you need to know about VRML are:

  • VRML files usually have the extension '.wrl'
  • they are usually viewed by means of a browser plug-in
  • browser plug-ins can be downloaded free of charge
  • files can be read by any computer platform (Apple Mac, PC, Unic, Linux, etc.)
  • each file describes a 3D-model (i.e. an object or a world)
  • objects are described by their geometry and appearance (e.g. colour, texture map)
  • objects can have behaviours and links added to them
  • models can have lighting, but there are usually no shadows
  • there are libraries of existing VRML models that you can download and use
  • there are editors to help you build VRML models
Background
VRML has evolved in two phases. VRML 1.0 was adopted in the Spring of 1995 and provided the basic file format, but the worlds were static. The VRML community immediately began work on strategies for incorporating animated behaviors into VRML. The current specification, VRML 2.0, supports JAVA, sound, animation, and Javascript which allows the world to be dynamic and interactive.
 

Download a VRML browser 

  • A good spot to download VRML browsers is the VRML Repository
  • An alternative source of information on browser downloads is about.com


Apple Macintosh
Most VRML developments have involved PC and Unix platforms and there has been less available for Apple Macintosh users.  However, it is getting better and Mac users are advised to look at the Mac 3D site for the latest information on Web-based 3D using the Apple Operating System.
 

VRML information
Very useful sites, where you will find examples, tutorials, free downloads, etc. include:


VRML object libraries
For anyone trying to build a VRML model , there are various libraries of predesigned objects.  For example, 

  • VRML object warehouse
  • The Virtuum Object Repository  This experimental repository is designed to be the precursor for a database driven resource for 3d models in all internet capable formats.
  • The VRML Object Supermarket  This page offers a means of viewing and downloading all of the .WRL format objects stored at the UK VR-SIG 3D Object Archive.
  • Ocnus' Rope Company  Contains a catalog of over 325 VRML models, plus a 'VRML Mall' - a 3D version of the catalog.   The site will also convert many popular 3D graphics formats into VRML .
  • Construct.net  This is the junkyard of Construct.com and features experimental architecture, behaviours, avatars, etc.
Specific VRML building tools
  • Spazz 3D 
  • Rhino3D

    • Try either of these software applications for creating VRML models. They offer a free download for 30 days - then you have to buy.
  • Java VRML editor

    • A Java based VRML editor which shows source code and rendered VRML simultaneously.  The tool is an applet not an application so in theory it should run with any browser that supports Java. 
  • VRML Works 

    • The site for tools for building VRML worlds
  • Fractal Landscape generator

    • Will build an endlessly different landscape for you to traverse. Plus a Rotor tool for creating extruded objects.
    Software that will export in VRML format


    Some tutorials


    On-line Books

    Some relevant publications on VRML and Art & Design
    • Ashdown, N. (1996)  The Virtual Reality Modelling Language in Art & Design Higher Education.  SIMA Report No. 17.  JISC Advisory Group on Computer Graphics, Loughborough.
    • Boyd Davis, S. (1996 )  The design of virtual environments: with particular reference to VRML.  JISC Advisory Group on Computer Graphics, SIMA Report  [ HTML ]
    • Costello, P.J. and Bee, S.T. (1997) 3D Model Databases: The Availability of 3D Models on the World Wide Web.  JISC Advisory Group on Computer Graphics, Technical Report No. 36.  [HTML] 
    • Kalwasky, R.S. (2000) Human Factors Aspects of Virtual Design Environments in Education. [PDF]


    Alternatives to VRML

  • Superscape

    • Whilst this is not VRML and you will require their browser (Viscape), this site shows you what you can do if you really want to make realistic looking 3D for the web (PC only).
  • Interactive 3d

    • The 3D technology developed by Okupi.
  • QuickTime VR

    • Apple's cross-platform virtual reality technology that uses phtographic techniques (i.e. not 3D modelling) to give a sense of interactive exploration of places and objects.


    Conferences & Groups
    The VRML conference sites:

  • VRML 98
  • VRML 99
  • VRML 2001
    • VRML groups:
    • The London Virtual Reality Group  You don't have to live in London to be a member of this group, but most of their meetings are held there. They discuss the more abstract end of VR. A good place to meet people and find out what is going on.
    The NVRCAD Project was supported by the JISC/JTAP progamme and the Universities of Coventry, Plymouth & Teesside