What is xVRML?

This site provides access to the development of the xVRML specifications and related software technologies. The VRML97 specifications were created to put 3D worlds onto the Internet, and used an idiosyncratic notational system. The xVRML Project is focused on evolving this into a more modern approach based on using an XML-based notation and an XML Schema -based definition.

The xVRML Specifications are based on the xVRML Schema, which in turn provides a "model" of the data in a virtual reality instance document (or "world"). The xVRML Schema & Specifications will also form the basis for the development of "view" and "controller" software technologies to express xVRML instance documents.

See the Project menu above for more details about goals and people and so on.

What Does xVRML Look Like?

In the end, xVRML is simply XML. Just as a webpage is just data for a 2D display structured by HTML tags, so an xVRML file is just data for a 3D display structured by xVRML tags. Classroom experience has taught that, if someone can read and understand .html files, then they can also read and understand .xwrl files. Take a look at this file of xVRML code for displaying a glowing red box, and see if you can follow what is going on.

video snapshot Click on the picture of the avatar in the room, and you will find a draft of a short video piece I am working on. This piece will become a showcase of what some RIT students built last Spring, after just a few weeks of instruction about 3D in general and about xVRML in specific.

Watch the menu at this site for tutorial materials, coming Real Soon Now.

How Can You Participate?

The xVRML Project uses SourceForge to distribute files. Download them and take a look at some content. Make some content; it turns out to not be very hard. Play around, give us feedback, help the Team.

You can follow the current thought-processes of those actively involved in this Project by periodically visiting and possibly joining reading the xVRML Project mailing lists and forums on SourceForge. You can download the current distribution from SourceForge. You are encouraged to post comments in the Forums and in the project blog.

Note to RIT Students: more information on how you could help with this Project can be found at the Project recruitment page.