Abstract for presentation at Spatial Sciences Institute International Biennial Conference

For several years Geoscience Australia (GA) has been developing 3D models using the Virtual Reality Modelling Language (VRML). These models have facilitated rapid dissemination and communication of highly complex and detailed geoscientific and geospatial data to a wide audience through use of only a web browser and VRML plug-in. With minimal data throughput required, end users can interact with multiple datasets in an intuitive and easily navigated 3D environment. This provides GA’s clients, stakeholders and the general public with easy access to this data and levies few requirements for viewing.
GA has recently commenced work to implement such models utilising X3D (Extensible 3D) for the visualisation of this data. X3D, which was developed by the Web 3D Consortium as the successor to VRML, extends the capabilities of VRML utilising XML (Extensible Markup Language) encoding, and adheres to the strict open standards of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The XML syntax provides for increased data portability through simplified validation and parsing of data, can expedite the creation of models, and allows for integration with a greater number of datasets from varied data sources.
The additional functionality available with X3D (in comparison to the VRML97 specification) provides developers with tools to enhance the end-user experience and more accurately portray the source data. The specification’s support for a Geospatial component allows for the potential to improve upon spatial precision and accuracy, providing the possibility of more sophisticated GIS (Geographical Information System) type functionality within the resultant 3D models.
This paper outlines the methods used by GA to implement, view and interact with these models in X3D, the obstacles encountered and solutions applied in pioneering this approach, and the benefits which we believe will accrue to both GA and its clients as a result of utilising this technology.