Fast 3D visualization of road product models

Due to its monolithic nature, 3D visualization software integrated with legacy engineering applications contain every possible feature you might use-whether or not a user really wants them. With the advent of distributed objects and interpreted platform-independent languages such as Java and VRML it is possible to develop cross-platform portable 3D visualization software as components that work in an easy-to-use manner. Adopting these advances, fast 3D visualization can considerably simplify the job of maintaining the life cycle of a road integrated within an agreed road product model. The paper aims to introduce new levels of support to engineers throughout the integrated product life cycle by dealing with issues such as fast platform-independent 3D visualization and product modelling using roads as an example