3D Visualisation Publications

• Visualising coastal seabed characteristics: using VRML models to present 3D spatial data via the web.
• Using VRML to share large volumes of complex 3D geoscientific information via the web.
• 3D web mapping – 3D geoscience information online.
• Innovative visualisation for Australia’s marine zone.
• Visualisation and presentation of 3D geoscience information.

Visualising coastal seabed characteristics: using VRML models to present 3D spatial data via the web.

J. Coffey, D. J. Beard, D. A. Ryan.

In: Journal of Spatial Science, June, 2007. www.mappingscience.org.au/journal

Abstract

Geoscience Australia has produced free Web-viewable 3D models of coastal data for sharing data and information with project partners and coastal zone stakeholders. The models integrate a range of spatial data (including DEMs, multibeam bathymetry, sediment samples, benthic habitats and satellite imagery) within an easy to use interface. The models use the open source and ISO standard Virtual Reality Modelling Language (VRML) file format. The model described in this paper is for the Keppel Bay and Fitzroy River area in Queensland, Australia. These 3D VRML models are a good method for integrating coastal data, for better interpretation, and are easily transferred to end users via the Web.

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Using VRML to share large volumes of complex 3D geoscientific information via the web.

Beard DJ. 2006.

In: Web3D 2006 11th International Conference on 3D Web Technology, Columbia, Maryland, 18-21 April 2006, ACM. 163-167

Abstract

Scientists within Geoscience Australia (GA) create complex 3D models of geological structures, using specialised 3D modelling software. Very few people outside GA have access to this specialised software. To provide clients and stakeholders with access to 3D information GA has developed VRML-HTML-JavaScript interfaces. These interfaces allow GA to share large volumes of complex 3D geological information via the Web, with data volumes up to 22 MB. A number of methods are employed to allow users to interact with such large amounts of data. The geometric features within VRML are used to represent a wide range of geological features. The interfaces are user friendly and provide users with a high level of interaction with the complex information.

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3D web mapping – 3D geoscience information online.

Beard DJ, Hay RJ, Nicoll MG, and Edge DO. 2005.

In: Proceedings of SSC 2005 Spatial Intelligence, Innovation and Praxis: The national biennial Conference of the Spatial Sciences Institute, September, 2005. Melbourne: Spatial Sciences Institute. ISBN 0-9581366-2-9

Abstract

Scientists within Geoscience Australia (GA) create complex models of 3D geological structures. These models are built using specialised 3D modelling software to which very few people outside of GA have access. To overcome this access problem, GA has developed 3D VRML (Virtual Reality Modelling Language) models, to display interactive 3D data using a web browser plug-in – hence ‘3D web mapping’. VRML is an open source standard for 3D graphics on the web. GA’s 3D web mapping development is unique and has proved to be a very effective method for communicating large amounts of complex 3D geoscientific and geospatial information to a wide audience. GA has produced nearly 40 unique 3D VRML models during the last five years, some of which are available for online interaction on the GA web site. The next challenge for GA’s visualisers is to move from VRML to X3D - the XML successor to VRML. This paper outlines the motivations for developing 3D VRML models, explains the technologies used, and takes a brief look at possible future developments.

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Innovative visualisation for Australia’s marine zone.

Watford FA, Beard DJ, Hay RJ and Ambrose K. 2005.

In: Proceedings of SSC 2005 Spatial Intelligence, Innovation and Praxis: The national biennial Conference of the Spatial Sciences Institute, September, 2005. Melbourne: Spatial Sciences Institute. ISBN 0-9581366-2-9

Abstract

Geoscience Australia collects and manages large amounts of data for Australia's marine zone, including bathymetry data and the legal boundaries of petroleum acreage release areas. Communicating this information to non-specialists can be difficult. To overcome this communication problem Geoscience Australia uses innovative visualisation techniques, including 3D flythroughs and video editing, to integrate raster and vector geospatial data into enhanced multimedia products. Geoscience Australia has used these techniques for a number of years and the resulting products are highly regarded by stakeholders interested in marine zone management and petroleum exploration. This paper examines four case studies where these innovative techniques were used to effectively communicate marine zone information with a wide audience.

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Visualisation and presentation of 3D geoscience information.

Hay RJ. 2003.

In: Proceedings of 21st International Cartographic Conference 2003, Durban South Africa, Durban: International Cartographic Association.

Abstract

Advances in computer technology have provided the opportunity to present geoscience information in new and innovative ways. The use of web-based three-dimensional interactive models, animations and fly-throughs significantly enhances our ability to communicate complex geometries and concepts not only to the geoscientific community but also, just as importantly, to the general public.

Projects within Geoscience Australia currently use a range of GIS, remote sensing, and modelling packages for visualisation of fundamental and derived data. In the main each of these packages also has the ability to produce, as an output, some form of model or animation sequence displaying the results of the visualisation. In most cases however, these outputs are generally not of sufficient quality or do not provide adequate functionality without further processing or editing. Geoscience Australia has adopted a multi-disciplinary approach to 3D visualisation encompassing cartography, GIS, remote sensing, graphic design, programming, web, and video editing to the post-processing of these visualisations.

This paper examines the benefits of using models and movies for the visualisation of geoscience and briefly discusses the current workflows and presentation techniques used by the Geo-Visualisation team within Geoscience Australia.

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