Virtual reality design techniques for web-based historical reconstructions

Due to increases in personal computer power and available bandwidths, 3D worlds are becoming increasingly accessible over the Internet, allowing viewers to freely explore virtual constructed worlds. However, even with advances in computing power and bandwidths, creating realistic 3D worlds which are fast downloading and are pleasurable to navigate around requires a number of design techniques to be employed. The aim of this paper is to describe the design techniques used in a redesign of a web-based virtual reality reconstruction of an historical site describing how different techniques can be used to optimise download times yet retain historical realism. The techniques and processes can be used as a guide by any designer to help create lightweight realistic virtual models.