Exploring methods of three-dimensional documentation (2)

A second method to represent the spatial character of objects is to draw or photograph them from many sides and show a rapid sequence of these "frames", like in a movie. The most simple format used in the Internet is the animated GIF picture.

The obvious limitations of this format:

As a rule, the object rotates along one axis only.

The presentation is not interactive.
    The Website visitor can neither control the
    movement of the object, nor can he take a
    closer look at single details.

With the means of Java-applets, it is possible, though, to present photo sequences in such a way that the visitor can control the rotation to left or right. You can click the image on the left to see an example. With the cursor, you can control the perspective of the image.

We plan to present our photos in such a way, that Website visitors can select areas on the image with their mouse. By means of an interactive server technology, these areas will then be displayed as larger pictures.