Date of Award

1998

Document Type

Thesis

Publisher

Edith Cowan University

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science Honours

School

School of Computer and Security Science

Faculty

Faculty of Science, Technology and Engineering

First Supervisor

Dr Arshad Omari

Abstract

Virtual Reality Modelling Language (VRML) is a scene description language which describes three dimensional (3D) space to a computer. Thus the three axis of space that is inherent in our dimension X Y and Z is represented inside a computer. To many people VRML represents a new beginning for the World Wide Web (WWW) because it behaves more like the real world. VRML is experimental, interactive, continuous and of course, three dimensional. Algorithms in computing have been designed for 2D problem solving and this does not necessarily translate to problem solving on a 3D level. The aim of this project was to experiment with one of these algorithms within the domain of 3D space (VRML). This project chose to use an algorithm based on solving shortest path problems and then translate this algorithm for it to work in a 3D environment. Java, a programming language, was used to find the shortest path. The shortest path was then shown via the use of an animated camera going through the 3D environment in effect delivering a pathfinding system. VRML was used as the basis to create the 3D environment, thus the project creates a pathfinding system that can be used as a navigational tool within a VRML world.

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