subject: 3d models Lesson 28 - VRML 97 Free Fall - Part 1 [print this page] 3d models Lesson 28 - VRML 97 Free Fall - Part 1
Last time, we began our exploration of the Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) with an assessment of the future of this technology and we concluded that now may well be the right time to jump in. 3D Models Those who missed that column may want to take a look at Lesson 27 before continuing here.
We noted that the new specification of the language has only recently become official, though it has been in use already for some time. To emphasize its official status, the new specification is being called VRML 97 (rather than VRML 2), but this is mostly marketing. As we shall see, the file format still requires a header line reading "VRML 2.0." These lessons will assume no familiarity with the old VRML, VRML 1.0. 3D Models Those who have such background, however, will be certain to note that VRML 97 code is significantly easier to read.
This observation is a good place to start. Among the most remarkable aspects of VRML is that it is, at once, a file format and a programming language. Thus the file format is in text and is readable by human beings as well as computers. This means at least three thing. First, it is possible to read VRML files directly as a way of learning the technology. The typical graphics file is all binary hieroglyphics in a word processor, and so there is no way of examining the format directly. Second, the text-based nature of a VRML file means that it is editable by hand, even if it was created in the first instance by VRML authoring tools. Third, and as an obvious extension of the prior points, a simple VRML file can be completely created by typing in the proper code. There is no better way to start learning VRML than writing files 'by hand".
This lesson will present some very simple VRML files intended to introduce the most basic concepts. The VRML worlds in this lesson are all static. 3D Models They use no animation, nor any user interactivity beyond the navigation controls that are inherent in the browser. The code for each world is provided with explanatory commentary and a screen shot of the view in a browser. In addition, a link is provided to the same code presented on this page, contained in a separate VRML file (*.wrl). If you have a VRML browser, the file will load for your examination. Thus you can read and learn from these lessons without a VRML browser, but they will be far more valuable if you have one. If you don't have a VRML browser, download CosmoPlayer
