Web-based three-dimensional geo-referenced visualization

This paper addresses several approaches to implementing web-based, three-di mensional (3-D), gee-referenced visualization. The discussion focuses on th e relationship between multi-dimensional data sets and applications, as wel l as the thick/thin client and heavy/light server structure. Two models of data sets are addressed in this paper. One is the use of traditional 3-D da ta format such as 3-D Studio Max, Open Inventor 2.0, Vis5D and OBJ. The oth er is modelled by a web-based language such as VRML, Also, traditional lang uages such as C and C++, as well as web-based programming tools such as Jav a, Java3D and ActiveX, can be used for developing applications. The strengt hs and weaknesses of each approach are elaborated. Four practical solutions for using VRML and Java, Java and Java3D, VRML and ActiveX and Java wrappe r classes (Java and C/C++), to develop applications are presented for web-b ased, real-time interactive and explorative visualization. (C) 1999 Elsevie r Science Ltd. All rights reserved.