HTML 5-Based Learning for 3D Computer Graphics and GIS

The online learning becomes more and more popular where visualization of 3D objects can be employed to lots of fields, e.g., 3D building information modeling for architecture, 3D city model for urban planning, 3D animation for film, 3D skeleton visualization of medical treatment, etc.. In tradition, the most popular tool for 3D modeling and visualization is OpenGL which is based on Client/Server. In another word, C++ code for OpenGL must be installed and configured firstly which is not convenient for new beginners. By contrast, this paper focus on visualization of 3D objects in Computer Graphics and GIS (Geographic Information System) purely depending on JavaScript technology where no additional software or plugins, applet, ActiveX control is needed. Typical JavaScript libraries covers ThreeJS for Computer Graphics, OpenLayers for 2D GIS and CesiumJS for 3D GIS. Based on the above libraries, e-learners could view and manipulate 3D objects in web browser (e.g., Google Chrome). Such intuitive and convenient 3D visualization and manipulation results in much more interesting for learning.