Introduction to VRML 97

SIGGRAPH 98 Course 18

Dave Nadeau (Organizer), John Moreland, and Michael Heck

• HTML version - can still be found at the old site
• Zip file of the course contents (7.5Mbytes).
  Contains HTML version

Original Course Description:

VRML (the Virtual Reality Modeling Language) technology has broad applicability, including Web-based entertainment, distributed visualization, 3D user interfaces to remote Web resources, 3D collaborative environments, interactive simulations for education, virtual museums, and virtual retail spaces. VRML is a key multi-platform technology shaping the future of the Web. Participants learned how to use VRML to author their own 3D virtual worlds on the World Wide Web. They learned the syntax of VRML, typical usage patterns, how to avoid common mistakes, animation and scene design techniques, and tricks for increasing performance and realism.

Prerequisites

Basic understanding of computers and algebra, and a beginning-level understanding of 3D graphics concepts, such as that provided in Introduction to Computer Graphics (Course 12). Familiarity with computer programming helpful, but not required.

Topics Covered

Syntax for building shape geometry and controlling shape coloration, texturing, shading, grouping, and animation; specification of preferred viewpoints, lighting, sounds, backgrounds, and fog; animation programming with Java and JavaScript; optimization techniques.