Traditional engineering relies heavily of 2D plans and blueprints to design
and build large scale projects such as the highway bridge illustrated here.
A 3D virtual environment created with X3D can be used to view and verify
aspects of the construction that may be difficult see from simple 2 dimensional
drawings. The interactive nature of X3D gives the user the ability to move
around within the virtual environment and to interact with it.
Highway Bridge
Construction verification
Engineering details can be viewed in the 3D model to check the spatial relationships
between various components. An animated version showing the schedule of the construction
process can be very useful in determining the best sequence for building the project.
The 3D model can be used both in the design process and for communicating the details
of the construction.
Design presentation
An X3D environment is also an important tool in verifying and conveying the aesthetic
aspects of the project. By viewing the bridge from various positions within its
proposed environment, a clear understanding of the design can obtained. Because
X3D is an open specification whose files can be viewed on the internet, X3D is an
excellent medium for design presentations. An X3D environment posted on a web site
can be used either for public relations or to illustrate a company's portfolio
of completed projects.
Line of sight
In a project such as this bridge it is also very important to understand the experience
of a driver on the completed bridge. The depth of the driver's field of vision and
the peripheral view are important considerations from a safety point of view.
Communicating these conditions is made much easier by building a 3D virtual environment
in which the viewer is able to move about. As an interactive 3D platform X3D is a
natural choice.
The VRML and X3D format has matured into a rich specification that can create
detailed interactive environments based an open format that can be viewed over the
internet. A CAD component is currently being developed to further enhance
the capabilities of X3D.
