POTENTIAL OF VIRTUAL REALITY WITH VRML / X3D IN CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

Abstract

This paper summarizes the pros and

cons, and also the potential use, in

general, of virtual reality and, particu

larly, of VRML in construction pro

jects. The paper includes a short

summary of the computer assisted

design environment where virtual re

ality and VRML are included; an

analysis of the characteristics, histo

ric evolution, techniques and tools of

virtual reality; an analysis of the main

characteristics, pros, cons and appli

cation fields of VRML; an example of

using VRML, and a summary of the

main specific difficulties experimen

ted in building the example model;

and an analysis of the main characte

ristics of X3D, the successor of

VRML. Despite being a young tech

nology, with its corresponding disad

vantages here summarized, VRML /

X3D entail an unquestionable poten

tial for the construction industry, pro

bably at the medium-term, also ex

plained in this paper.