Virtual Reality Modeling Language

What is VRML?

VRML is an acronym for "Virtual Reality Modeling Language". It is a file format for describing interactive 3D objects and worlds to be experienced on the world wide web (similar to how HTML is used to view text). The first release of The VRML 1.0 Specification was created by Silicon Graphics, Inc. and based on the Open Inventor file format. The second release of VRML adds significantly more interactive capabilities. It was designed by the Silicon Graphics' VRML 1.0 team with contributions from Sony Research and Mitra. VRML 2.0 was reviewed by the VRML moderated email discussion group (www-vrml@wired.com), and later adopted and endorsed by a plethora of companies and individuals. See the San Diego Supercomputer Center's VRML Repository or Silicon Graphics' VRML site for more information.

How can I start using VRML 2.0?

You must install a VRML 2.0 browser. The following VRML 2.0 Draft browsers or toolkits are available:

• Silicon Graphics' Cosmo Player for Windows, Mac & UNIX browsers
• Sony's CyberPassage browser
• DimensionX's Liquid Reality toolkit

See San Diego Supercomputer Center's VRML Repository for more details on available VRML browsers and tools.

Examples of Chemistry VRML at Oxford

• Molecule of the Month for March 97 has a section on VRML Gemstones.
  
• The Inorganic First-Year Practical, The Structure of Inorganic Solids has VRML based polyhedra.
  
• The Chemistry IT Centre research team is developing a Virtual Chemistry Lab. With a real walk through laboratory and online mutltimedia experiments.