Interactive 3D Models
3D Model Types
X3D
Recently, Geoscience Australia has been using X3D (Extensible 3D) to develop 3D models for the web. X3D is the new open standard for 3D content on the web and is supported by the Web3D Consortium, the same group that supports VRML. Although still under development, X3D has a number of advantages as it:
- is an XML format (extensible markup language) which allows easier interaction with other XML formats,
- is a free ISO standard for 3D on the web,
- supports a large range of 3D geometries, and
- can represent objects in true 3D space including sub-surface, surface and above ground features.
Recommended Software
The X3D models can be viewed with the BS Contact VRML X3D version 7+ free web browser plugin. They also work best with Internet Explorer version 6 and above. Follow the links on the individual model pages to download the free plugins. If you have trouble viewing the models after loading a plugin, troubleshooting information is available inside the individual model help pages. To activate BS Contact as the default plugin (recommended), choose the Windows Start Menu / BS Contact VRML X3D option to Make BS Contact your default plugin for Internet Explorer. This can also be done by double clicking the BSRegister.exe in the Bitmanagment program directory on your hard drive.
VRML
Geoscience Australia has been developing 3D models for distribution on the web since the late 1990's. Early models were developed using VRML or Virtual Reality Modelling Language. VRML is an open source language, developed by the Web3D Consortium. It is a common export format from many 3D graphics software applications and provides a versatile tool that can be easily customised for different projects.
Recommended Software
The VRML models can be viewed with either the blaxxun Contact version 5+ or BS Contact VRML X3D version 7+ free web browser plugins. They also work best with Internet Explorer version 4 and above. Follow the links on the individual model pages to download the free plugins. If you have trouble viewing the models after loading a plugin, troubleshooting information is available inside the individual model help pages. To activate BS Contact as the default plugin (recommended), choose the Windows Start Menu / BS Contact VRML X3D option to Make BS Contact your default plugin for Internet Explorer. This can also be done by double clicking the BSRegister.exe in the Bitmanagment program directory on your hard drive.
Information about 3D Models
Why use 3D models?
3D (three dimensional) models are generated by Geoscience Australia's research projects to help scientists better understand and interpret their data. They provide a useful interactive tool to communicate often complex geological relationships to other scientists and the wider community.
Users can turn data layers on and off and manipulate the models by rotating, zooming and panning to explore relationships between parts of the model from any aspect.
How do we create 3D models?
3D data from geological software modelling applications such as GOCAD is exported to a 3D scripting language, where it is edited and optimised for visualisation within the model. The model interface and navigation tools are then developed. Text, links to database records and other HTML documents are also added to complete the model before it is tested and refined. A simple model may be produced in a few days while more complex models may take weeks to develop.