VRML 2 Sourcebook X3D Examples Archive, Chapter 25 Level Of Detail

X3D Example Archives: VRML 2 Sourcebook, Chapter 25 Level Of Detail

Level of detail (LOD) allows an overall world become very large by letting an author provide high-fidelity models when a viewer is nearby, and simpler geometry when the viewer is far away.

The further the viewer can see, the more there is to draw. Note that if a shape is distant, the shape is smaller and the viewer can't see as much detail. So... draw it with less detail. Varying detail with distance reduces initial download time and increases drawing speed.

Increase performance by making multiple levels of shapes: high detail for close up viewing, progressively lower detail for more distant viewing. Group the levels in an LOD node, ordered from high detail to low detail, and using an array of range values to select switching distances .

These X3D scenes are adapted directly from the original VRML 2.0 Sourcebook chapter examples. Also available: VRML 2.0 Sourcebook course notes.

12 X3D Models		X3D Model Descriptions
	Figure 25 01 Torch High Detail	A high-detail torch.
	Figure 25 02 Torch Medium Detail	A medium-detail torch.
	Figure 25 03 Torch Low Detail	A low-detail torch.
	Figure 25 04 Three Torches Side By Side	The three torches side by side.
	Figure 25 05 Three Torches Single LOD	Three torches within an LOD node. First you must change viewpoints or fly in to watch levels shift. Ordinarily transitions are hard to discern, these transitions are designed to be noticeable.
	Figure 25 06 Dungeon Room Floor	A dungeon-room floor.
	Figure 25 07 Dungeon Room Wall	A dungeon-room wall.
	Figure 25 08 Dungeon Room	A dungeon room.
	Figure 25 09 Two Dungeon Rooms With LODHiding	Two dungeon rooms controlled by LOD nodes, move forward to see second room.
	Figure 25 10 Dungeon Wall With Doorway	A dungeon wall with a doorway, created using Coordinate and TextureCoordinate.
	Figure 25 11 Dungeon Door	A dungeon door.
	Figure 25 1 2Dungeon Rooms With Sliding Doors	Two dungeon rooms controlled by LOD nodes and separated by a wall and a pair of sliding doors.

The X3D Resources: Examples page and Savage Developers Guide provide more information about the production of this archive.