Navigating in VRML

The process of navigating around in VRML is, of course, dependent on the plugin used, so it differs in detail from one plugin to the next. However, there is some commonality that can be described here. For more detail, refer to the help and the documentation delivered with your chosen plugin.

In general there are usually three or four basic modes of movement. The most often used is termed plan mode. In this mode pushing the mouse upward results in movement in the forward direction, into and through the center of whatever is depicted on the screen. Side to side movements turn the heading to the left or right. This mode of movement is essentially the same as Punch!'s walk-through in LiveView.

Panning movements allow you to move sideways or up and down without changing the direction the viewpoint is aimed.

Turning movements allow you to move around the center of the VRML field, like LiveView's helicopter mode.

Other options may be available. For example, Cortonna supports a Roll movement in which the field of view rotates. Contact allows for being able to climb or descend while advancing, using the mouse wheel to control the angle.

All plugins support the concept of collision. If collision is turned on, the viewpoint is held to a specific height above the surface that is below it. This mode enables the viewpoint to ascend staircases in a natural way, and will not allow the user to walk through walls. If collision is turned off, the mode is similar to that of Liveview, where walls can be walked through, and the viewpoint can fly at any altitude. In some cases these movements are controlled through a pair of switches: collision and "gravity" or "fly" mode.

Many more options are available through the plugin that is running the VRML. Some support simultaneous chat with other users while performing VRML movement, for example. The user may be able to establish viewpoints that viewers can select from to enable quick movement to locations in the VRML world.


    

VRML Export Expert and the contents of this help file are
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