Visualising coastal seabed characteristics: using VRML models to present three dimensional spatial data via the Web

Geoscience Australia has produced free Web-viewable 3D models of coastal data, for sharing data and information with project partners and coastal zone stakeholders. The models integrate a range of spatial data (including DEMs, multibeam bathymetry, sediment samples, benthic habitats and satellite imagery) within an easy to use interface. The models use the open source and ISO standard Virtual Reality Modelling Language (VRML) file format. The model described in this paper is for the Keppel Bay and Fitzroy River area in Queensland, Australia. These 3D VRML models are a good method for integrating coastal data, for better interpretation, and are easily transferred to end users via the Web.