VRML - The Virtual Reality Modeling Language

The Virtual Reality Modeling Language was developed in the early 1990's to take advantage of the growing ability for computers to be able to handle 3D graphics. It provides a unified language specification for designing textured surfaces for 3D manipulation. Using VRML, entire "worlds" of reality and imagination can be described and then created. VRML is now an international standard (ISO/IEC 14772), and the consortium which develops VRML and it's new adjunct X3D is on the web at www.web3d.org.

VRML is also a serious tool for several areas of study. It can be used to realize real regions on Earth or even other planets, in such a way as to simulate aircraft overflight or other purposes in which visualization of a countryside can be useful. It can be used to build models of things we cannot see, for example a 3D model of an organic molecule, which can then be viewed from all angles, even from within.

There are several versions of the VRML standard which are mentioned on the web, and knowing the names will reduce the confusion:

VRML 1.0, released in 1995.
VRML 2.0, released in 1996.
VRML 97, a minor functional update to 2.0, released on December of 1997. This is the basis that VRML Export Expert uses in creating VRML output.

VRML is usually viewed through a web browser, with the aid of a plugin for the browser that adds VRML to the file formats which the browser can understand and display. There are many browser plugins available; we'll cite three of them here. All of these may be downloaded for free from their respective websites:

Cortonna (ParallelGraphics, www.parallelgraphics.com) - generally considered the current best of breed of VRML viewer plugins. It provides the best performance coupled with very good rendering abilities.
Contact (Blaxxun, www.blaxxun.com) - This VRML viewer is distinguished by its ability to add sound and interactive chat capabilities to VRML, so you can interact with other users in VRML worlds. While this ability does not enhance the Punch! experience directly, it may be of importance if interactivity is needed. In one example, an architect can accompany a customer on a walkthrough of the home that he/she is designing.
Cosmo Player (Computer Associates, ca.com/cosmo/home.htm) - This is one of the oldest VRML plugins. Originally produced by Silicon Graphics, it is no longer supported or updated, but is still usable.

There is an more complete listing of VRML software at web3d.org/vrml/browpi.htm.

Be aware that most of these plugins are compatible with Internet Explorer and Mozilla Netscape only; in particular, none have as yet been implemented for Mozilla FoxFire, though that likely will change.

VRML Export Expert and the contents of this help file are
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