A 3D Web GIS System Based on VRML and X3D

Abstract

Web GIS is experiencing the development from 2D system to 3D system, and the Web GIS based on VRML is the most popular form of the 3D Web GIS. By analyzing the existing Web GIS system based on VRML, this paper points out its disadvantages and introduces the next generation standard for Web3D - X3D(Extensible 3D specification). A Web GIS model based on X3D is also put forward, which has its own advantages that VRML is incomparable with: good rehostability; easy realization of big scene graphs and integration of heterogeneous database, spatial data sharing and its mutual operation etc.