Curriculum visualization in 3D

Abstract

This paper describes a 3D environment for representing a university undergraduate education programme. More specifically, the curriculum data selected for representation, how they are visualized in the 3D environment, and the process of generating it are detailed. Modules and curricula have been rendered in such a way that many numerical data, such as credits and duration, are translated into a graphical form, resulting in a simple and intuitive overall view. This effective visualization strategy provides added-value in comparison with the more traditional textual presentation. The 3D environment, based on the X3D language, is dynamically generated from a database thanks to an XSLT transformation. The use of a powerful XML based Web publishing tool, i.e. Apache Cocoon, allows this transformation to be easily performed "on the fly".