VRML 2.0 Sourcebook (Second edition)

and

Internet Research

ISSN: 1066-2243

Article publication date: 1 March 1998

190

Citation

Eustace, K. and Arcot Ramesh, S. (1998), "VRML 2.0 Sourcebook (Second edition)", Internet Research, Vol. 8 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/intr.1998.17208aaf.005

Publisher

:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 1998, MCB UP Limited


VRML 2.0 Sourcebook (Second edition)

VRML 2.0 Sourcebook (Second edition)

Ames. A.L., Nadeau, D.R. and Moreland, J.L. (1997), Wiley, New York, NY, 657 pp., ISBN 0-471-16507-7, $US49.95. Available Wiley Computer Publishing, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 605 Third Avenue, New York, NY. 10158-0012, http://www.wiley. com/compbooks/

The Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) is frequently being used by programmers to develop 3D multimedia interfaces to databases and various Internet/Intranet client/server applications. Andrea L. Ames, David R. Nadeau and John L. Moreland of the San Diego Supercomputer Center bring to us this edition of the VRML 2.0 Sourcebook, in which they care to explain to the reader, in detail, how to build 3D objects and Virtual Reality worlds using the VRML 2.0 specification. The VRML 2.0 Sourcebook includes a CD-ROM that covers every chapter in the book and includes all the code for the VRML objects, texture files and other media objects that can be used to create VRML worlds; VRML browsers and authoring tools for all platforms. Java and Javascript code is also supplied to show how Java can add behaviours as script nodes to VRML worlds along with additional VRML worlds not discussed in the book.

The book has 31 chapters and begins with an introduction to the key concepts of VRML, such as the object-oriented features of nodes and fields and their relationship to the World Wide Web (WWW). The authors tell us the details about building shapes and objects as the basic building blocks around the X-Y-Z coordinate system before describing how to add interactive and immersive traits into the virtual world using sound, animation, and other special effects. The authors' efforts to illustrate the power of the Virtual Reality Modeling Language empowers the reader to build their VRML worlds using a virtual platform. This is accomplished with the many examples and explanations of the code in every chapter of the book. With these examples and syntax, the authors take the reader into the world of Virtual Reality.

Traveling through various virtual worlds, building small shapes and objects, the authors explain the reusability and the effectiveness of the virtual objects. This is archived by using the "nodes" available in the VRML. Everything in a VRML world is a node. It is through these nodes that one can lay a foundation in a virtual world. Once the core nodes and fields are set up, the real excitement begins when animation takes over. Various nodes such as appearance, sensors, effects, material, color, shades, etc., when added to the object, bring out more creative attributes to the object thereby making it look real. Other features such as mapping textures, controlled shading, lighting, backgrounds, sound, anchors, etc., further enhance a virtual world in addition to sensor nodes, collision detection nodes, interpolators and script nodes (usually Java code).

This book not only tells us about building Virtual Worlds but also gives us instruction for creating nodes that can be used by others for different purposes. The way that VRML can run along with other languages such as Java and JavaScript as script nodes is described in detail along with the help of examples.

This book would serve as a useful reference for programmers and enthusiasts wishing to learn more about VRML. One drawback is the lack of instructional design. This may prevent the book from being recommended as a textbook. What it lacks are integrated chapter questions and end-of-chapter problems and projects for the student reader.

In spite of this, the authors do manage to stimulate the reader to think on their terms and to create their own shapes and objects. Therefore, we would strongly recommend the book as a reference for anybody who is interested in building their own world in Virtual Reality 3D or studying a project-based course in VRML.

Ken Eustace and Srinivas Arcot RameshSchool of Information Studies, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia

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