“Silicon Valley-based SRI International, a leading independent
technology innovator, today announced GeoVRML 1.0, a new standard
in web-based three-dimensional viewing technology. GeoVRML 1.0 is
an extension of the Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) that
allows for accurate rendering of geographic data, giving Internet
users the ability to integrate all forms of 3-D content into real
world scenes. GeoVRML 1.0 gives users an unprecedented perspective
on the physical world in which they live.”
“GeoVRML 1.0 can integrate any landscape, feature or phenomenon
that can be expressed with geographical data into the delivered
content, accessible from any home, school or business. GeoVRML
1.0 is offered as an open-source solution and is freely
available at http://www.geovrml.org/ allowing its capabilities
to be expanded further through community-based innovation. The
result is a powerful business, research and educational tool.”
“GeoVRML 1.0 further increases the Internet’s value as a
resource for understanding the world by providing users with an
adjustable, three-dimensional bird’s-eye view of lakes, streams,
hills, mountains and buildings. Such perspectives can be essential
for building projects or studying the effects of land change over
time. The technology enables users to place buildings in
geographically accurate three-dimensional scenes or create an
inside look at volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. With GeoVRML
1.0, people can model hurricanes in three dimensions, allowing
examination of the storm structures from several perspectives so
they can determine the timing of emergency procedures. Additional
examples include a rendering of the Monterey Bay seafloor and
weather data studies. GeoVRML 1.0 also opens up a Web-based virtual
universe to users by enabling them to move beyond Earth to explore
the planets.”