Synagogue
Potvorov
Distillery
3D Globe
Mobile & AR
Technology: Web Graphics Library (WebGL)
The following lines provide a basic information about the WebGL technology used to create and embed the 3D scenes seamlessly into the standard web pages of my Site, as well as a short insight into its historical context.
From the historical point of view, the first significant effort to display interactive 3D objects embedded within standard web pages dates back to mid ninetees, when the file format called VRML (Virtual Reality Modeling Language) was conceived. Development of the VRML format was completed by its official acceptance as the ISO/IEC DIS 14772-1 International Standard in 1997.
As it gathered lot of attention initially, number of independent software companies raced to deploy plug‑ins allowing then popular web browsers Netscape Navigator and Internet Explorer to understand VRML files and render their 3D content. After an eventful transition period two major providers of freely downloadable VRML plug‑ins persisted – Cortona3D (formerly ParallelGraphics) and Bitmanagement (formerly Blaxxun Interactive).
The decision of all major web browser vendors to drop support of the NPAPI‑based plug‑ins for security reasons in 2016 meant sudden stop to most VRML‑related activities. This move however provided opportunity for the new, more advanced WebGL technology, which, because of its foundation in the most current Web standards, runs in modern browsers directly – without the need to download and install any plug‑ins or additional applications.
WebGL (Web Graphics Library) is in fact a JavaScript API for rendering 2D and 3D graphics within web pages, where its code can blend well with other page elements. Because the direct coding of complex 3D scenes would be too difficult, many specialized tools have already appeared, not to mention quite a few renowned desktop 3D modeling applications obtaining WebGL export abilities.
My software of choice for authoring the interactive WebGL content is the game engine/editor Unity. It accepts 3D models from external sources, allows to set their appearance, behaviour and interactivity, and finally either exports the result as a stand‑alone desktop or mobile application or produces the WebGL code for online publication on the web. Few humble results of my trifling with the Unity editor can be found in the 3D Showroom section. Its interactive 3D content can be viewed using recent desktop or mobile versions of all the mayor web browsers (Chrome, Firefox, MS Edge, Opera, Safari).
To find out if your browser is able to display the WebGL 3D scenes, visit this WebGL Test page, or for more detailed information go to the WebGL Report site.
From the historical point of view, the first significant effort to display interactive 3D objects embedded within standard web pages dates back to mid ninetees, when the file format called VRML (Virtual Reality Modeling Language) was conceived. Development of the VRML format was completed by its official acceptance as the ISO/IEC DIS 14772-1 International Standard in 1997.
As it gathered lot of attention initially, number of independent software companies raced to deploy plug‑ins allowing then popular web browsers Netscape Navigator and Internet Explorer to understand VRML files and render their 3D content. After an eventful transition period two major providers of freely downloadable VRML plug‑ins persisted – Cortona3D (formerly ParallelGraphics) and Bitmanagement (formerly Blaxxun Interactive).
The decision of all major web browser vendors to drop support of the NPAPI‑based plug‑ins for security reasons in 2016 meant sudden stop to most VRML‑related activities. This move however provided opportunity for the new, more advanced WebGL technology, which, because of its foundation in the most current Web standards, runs in modern browsers directly – without the need to download and install any plug‑ins or additional applications.
WebGL (Web Graphics Library) is in fact a JavaScript API for rendering 2D and 3D graphics within web pages, where its code can blend well with other page elements. Because the direct coding of complex 3D scenes would be too difficult, many specialized tools have already appeared, not to mention quite a few renowned desktop 3D modeling applications obtaining WebGL export abilities.
My software of choice for authoring the interactive WebGL content is the game engine/editor Unity. It accepts 3D models from external sources, allows to set their appearance, behaviour and interactivity, and finally either exports the result as a stand‑alone desktop or mobile application or produces the WebGL code for online publication on the web. Few humble results of my trifling with the Unity editor can be found in the 3D Showroom section. Its interactive 3D content can be viewed using recent desktop or mobile versions of all the mayor web browsers (Chrome, Firefox, MS Edge, Opera, Safari).
To find out if your browser is able to display the WebGL 3D scenes, visit this WebGL Test page, or for more detailed information go to the WebGL Report site.
WebGL
Mobile & AR
Technology: 3D Globe (CesiumJS)
An easy way how to display whole Earth in a single web page, and how the old science fiction story came true.
To own a complete 3D globe of the planet Earth, with its elevated mountain ranges and deep valleys, all covered by realistic textures – and to be able to zoom from the space distance down to street level would seem as a sci‑fi few decades ago. In fact, I encountered this idea first time in the age of ten, while reading the old sci‑fi book written by today almost forgotten Czech author J. M. Troska in 1939: A genius scientist created a small copy of the real Earth during a high‑energy experiment in his laboratory. As the minified globe remained connected mysteriously with its big template, it was then possible to observe all the events happening on the real Earth using just a strong magnifying glass.
The story immediately came to my mind when I discovered the famous Google Earth geospatial application in 2011. It matched almost perfectly the old sci‑fi book description – the complete, interactive 3D Earth including elevated surface, textured by hi‑res satellite imagery and providing nearly up‑to‑date information about many human‑related entities, such as urban areas, business centers and transport infrastructure. The only significant difference resided in the necessity to use a PC instead of the magnifying glass. It was possible to attach whole range of additional elements to the globe surface using special API, and a browser plug‑in was available to embed the 3D globe into a standard web page.
The removal of plug‑in support by web browser vendors already mentioned here in the WebGL tab section naturally led to complete redesign of the Google Earth application, causing its development slowdown and partial feature regression. The opportunity was immediatelly picked up, among others, by the Cesium Consortium, which offers its open‑source geospatial 3D mapping platform CesiumJS as a direct Google Earth replacement.
Using the web‑friendly WebGL graphic library, CesiumJS provides again an easy way to add custom objects and images to the surface of 3D Earth and integrate the whole interactive scene easily into a web page.
Whole series of my 3D models of interesting historical buildings, geo‑located in their real positions on the Earth surface provided by the CesiumJS platform, is shown in the My 3D Globe section. I have also used the same system in that section to present few recorded tracks of my holiday journeys and photos taken while on the road.
To own a complete 3D globe of the planet Earth, with its elevated mountain ranges and deep valleys, all covered by realistic textures – and to be able to zoom from the space distance down to street level would seem as a sci‑fi few decades ago. In fact, I encountered this idea first time in the age of ten, while reading the old sci‑fi book written by today almost forgotten Czech author J. M. Troska in 1939: A genius scientist created a small copy of the real Earth during a high‑energy experiment in his laboratory. As the minified globe remained connected mysteriously with its big template, it was then possible to observe all the events happening on the real Earth using just a strong magnifying glass.
The story immediately came to my mind when I discovered the famous Google Earth geospatial application in 2011. It matched almost perfectly the old sci‑fi book description – the complete, interactive 3D Earth including elevated surface, textured by hi‑res satellite imagery and providing nearly up‑to‑date information about many human‑related entities, such as urban areas, business centers and transport infrastructure. The only significant difference resided in the necessity to use a PC instead of the magnifying glass. It was possible to attach whole range of additional elements to the globe surface using special API, and a browser plug‑in was available to embed the 3D globe into a standard web page.
The removal of plug‑in support by web browser vendors already mentioned here in the WebGL tab section naturally led to complete redesign of the Google Earth application, causing its development slowdown and partial feature regression. The opportunity was immediatelly picked up, among others, by the Cesium Consortium, which offers its open‑source geospatial 3D mapping platform CesiumJS as a direct Google Earth replacement.
Using the web‑friendly WebGL graphic library, CesiumJS provides again an easy way to add custom objects and images to the surface of 3D Earth and integrate the whole interactive scene easily into a web page.
Whole series of my 3D models of interesting historical buildings, geo‑located in their real positions on the Earth surface provided by the CesiumJS platform, is shown in the My 3D Globe section. I have also used the same system in that section to present few recorded tracks of my holiday journeys and photos taken while on the road.
WebGL
3D Globe
Technology: Mobile & AR (Augmented Reality)
Which type of 3D can be brought to mobile apps, what “Augmented Reality” actually means, and how can it be all integrated together.
Even when the interactive 3D scenes such as those shown in the 3D Showroom section can be presented to its audience worldwide just by embedding them into common web pages, in case of the mobile devices it may be desirable to utilize their specific interaction abilities and hardware performance directly and not through the unnecessary software layer of the internet browser.
Fortunately, proper authoring applications such as the Unity editor already mentioned here in the WebGL tab section allow easy conversion of the 3D scenes into fully‑fledged mobile applications, maintaining all their programmed interactivity and optimizing them for the mobile hardware.
The use of mobile platforms, besides the ability to interact with the 3D scenes more naturally via touchscreens, brings also the possibility to access and modify the device's camera output. Utilizing the computing power of mobile hardware, a proper application can continuously analyze the camera's field of view and superimpose a “virtual” 3D object into the realtime camera output on the screen. Due to its proper positioning and perspective the object then appears as actually existing in the real environment.
Such process represents one of many flavours of so called Augmented Reality (AR) – a term meanig an ability to blend various interactive digital elements into the real‑world environments.
AR‑enabled mobile apps can be useful in many areas, including my favorite engineering education. For example – the textbook reader's experience can be enhanced by displaying a moving 3D model of combustion engine over its standard 2D illustration, making the principles of engine operation easier to grasp – and the learning process more attractive…
Few rudimentary examples of my AR mobile applications are available in the 3D Showroom section.
Even when the interactive 3D scenes such as those shown in the 3D Showroom section can be presented to its audience worldwide just by embedding them into common web pages, in case of the mobile devices it may be desirable to utilize their specific interaction abilities and hardware performance directly and not through the unnecessary software layer of the internet browser.
Fortunately, proper authoring applications such as the Unity editor already mentioned here in the WebGL tab section allow easy conversion of the 3D scenes into fully‑fledged mobile applications, maintaining all their programmed interactivity and optimizing them for the mobile hardware.
The use of mobile platforms, besides the ability to interact with the 3D scenes more naturally via touchscreens, brings also the possibility to access and modify the device's camera output. Utilizing the computing power of mobile hardware, a proper application can continuously analyze the camera's field of view and superimpose a “virtual” 3D object into the realtime camera output on the screen. Due to its proper positioning and perspective the object then appears as actually existing in the real environment.
Such process represents one of many flavours of so called Augmented Reality (AR) – a term meanig an ability to blend various interactive digital elements into the real‑world environments.
AR‑enabled mobile apps can be useful in many areas, including my favorite engineering education. For example – the textbook reader's experience can be enhanced by displaying a moving 3D model of combustion engine over its standard 2D illustration, making the principles of engine operation easier to grasp – and the learning process more attractive…
Few rudimentary examples of my AR mobile applications are available in the 3D Showroom section.
Machinery
Mobile
Archive
Great Synagogue Plzeň
Early Settlement Plzenec
Roman Church Potvorov
Jesuit College Telč
Monastery Library N. Říše
3D Showroom: Architecture & History
Great Synagogue (Plzeň, CZ)
The Europe's second largest synagogue is presented here in both of its known forms:
– The original project of an imposing, 65 m tall Gothic style cathedral, submitted by the renowned Jewish Viennese architect Max Fleischer and refused by the Plzeň city councilors in 1888,
– and the subsequent more modest, only 45 m tall Moorish‑style design by the local architect Emmanuel Klotz, which was approved in 1890 and its construction completed in 1893. Luckily, the building has remained intact to the present day.
Re‑engineering and re‑building the unrealized Fleischer's proposal in 3D was possible due to existence of his original drawings, preserved by the Jewish Community Plzeň.
– The original project of an imposing, 65 m tall Gothic style cathedral, submitted by the renowned Jewish Viennese architect Max Fleischer and refused by the Plzeň city councilors in 1888,
– and the subsequent more modest, only 45 m tall Moorish‑style design by the local architect Emmanuel Klotz, which was approved in 1890 and its construction completed in 1893. Luckily, the building has remained intact to the present day.
Re‑engineering and re‑building the unrealized Fleischer's proposal in 3D was possible due to existence of his original drawings, preserved by the Jewish Community Plzeň.
Scene Features:
choose between two attractive versions of the famous building – imposing project and modest realizationexplore the Rabinical House with mikweh in the Synagogue vicinity
examine the inner structure of all presented objects
and more…
Last Update 2024-02-15
Author's Note:
Both me and the professional guarantor, Jan Soukup, M.Arch., appreciated the unique and challenging opportunity to work with the original, yet incomplete, 130 years old Fleischer's drawings.
Similar set of XIX. century drawings plus up‑to‑date documentation was available for the existing Synagogue building, but the reliable dimensional reference had to be provided at the end by my own amateurish photogrammetric 3D model assembled from a drone imagery.
Early Medieval Settlement in The Starý Plzenec Area (Plzeň, CZ)
The first written mention of the fortified settlement at the Hurka hill and the adjacent urban area down in the Uslava River valley dates to A. D. 976.
During the next two centuries it had developed into an important trading centre with large marketplace, eight stone‑walled churches and even its own mint.
After the royal town, New Plzen, was founded nearby in 1295, the locality gradually lost importance. The settlement however has remained in existence up to these days as a municipality called Starý Plzenec (“Old” Plzenec).
The interactive 3D scene presents estimated appearance of the area at around 1200 A.D., based on numerous local archeological findings and architectural expertiese.
After the royal town, New Plzen, was founded nearby in 1295, the locality gradually lost importance. The settlement however has remained in existence up to these days as a municipality called Starý Plzenec (“Old” Plzenec).
The interactive 3D scene presents estimated appearance of the area at around 1200 A.D., based on numerous local archeological findings and architectural expertiese.
Scene Features:
get familiar with the vast medieval settlement, predecessor of Plzeň, today's largest West Bohemian cityexplore its fortification, urban structure and all seven churches within its perimeter
examine the inner structure of selected important buildings
and more…
Last Update 2025-01-05
Author's Note:
The visual reconstruction of the Starý Plzenec settlement was result of the West‑Bohemian Museum research, with Mr. Jan Soukup, M.Arch. acting as an architectural advisor.
The initial 3D model was created in 2013 for the video clip, which became a part of the permanent Museum exhibition. Later on, I optimized and converted the 3D assets into an interactive form on my own account, and continue to add features and perform technological upgrades as needed and as the time allows.
Roman Church of St. Nicholas (Potvorov, CZ)
The fortified Roman church, established around the beginning of the XIII. century, is one of the oldest buildings in the West Bohemia. While modest in size, its architectural value ranks it among the most significant monuments of the region.
Even when its (assumed) massive western tower, designed to provide shelter to Potvorov locals at the times of unrests, was destroyed during the course of history, the building itself, just with minor baroque modifications, survived surprisingly well up to these days, including original interior elements and the unique Roman choir wall fresco.
The interactive 3D scene shows both the current and probable original look of this remarkable object.
Even when its (assumed) massive western tower, designed to provide shelter to Potvorov locals at the times of unrests, was destroyed during the course of history, the building itself, just with minor baroque modifications, survived surprisingly well up to these days, including original interior elements and the unique Roman choir wall fresco.
The interactive 3D scene shows both the current and probable original look of this remarkable object.
Scene Features:
enjoy the view to one of the oldest architectural monuments in the West Bohemia regioncompare the original and current look of the historical object
examine the inner structure of both versions
and more…
Last Update 2024-02-15
Author's Note:
The project, initiated by the Society of the Potvorov Church and Jan Soukup, M.Arch., provided me with welcomed opportunity to explore a significant historical monument quite close to my summer vacation cottage, yet until then entirely unknown to me.
Rendered images were used in the Potvorov information poster in 2016, and the interactive 3D scene was later integrated into the Society's Web. I continue to maintain the 3D asset as the time and energy allows.
Jesuit College and Church of Holy Name of Jesus (Telč, CZ)
Telč, a picturesque townlet and an UNESCO Site, has been culturally influenced by the Jesuit Society since the mid XVII. century. The impact is still evidenced by presence of respectable Jesuits college complex right at the town's main square.
The house sheltered monks in their Tertianship, hosted a public dispensary, and was even turned shortly to military quarters after the Jesuit Order suppression in 1773.
The Baroque Church of Holy Name of Jesus, integrated into the Jesuit compound, has not changed much since its erection in 1667, except of its color scheme re‑paints.
The interactive 3D scene shows both the current and probable original look of this imposing Jesuit complex.
The house sheltered monks in their Tertianship, hosted a public dispensary, and was even turned shortly to military quarters after the Jesuit Order suppression in 1773.
The Baroque Church of Holy Name of Jesus, integrated into the Jesuit compound, has not changed much since its erection in 1667, except of its color scheme re‑paints.
The interactive 3D scene shows both the current and probable original look of this imposing Jesuit complex.
Scene Features:
check the look of one of the most remarkable objects at the UNESCO‑preserved town's main squarecompare the original and current look of the Jesuit college and church
hear the church bells and see the structure they hang on
and more…
Last Update 2024-02-15
Author's Note:
As a researcher in the five‑years project “Telč and Jesuits”, carried out by the NHI and IH CAS, I got a possibility to be intensely exposed to unique atmosphere of this little town, and also to learn a lot about the Order's regional traces.
Besides collecting information in the archives, we have run the mentioned Jesuit buildings from basement to basement many times. Among the results of our team effort was a 3D reconstruction of the compound architectural development, few published articles and, for presentation purposes, even a 3D print.
Library Interior of the Premonstratensian monastery (Nová Říše, CZ)
The monastery in Nová Říše already had an important and systematically built library in the second half of the XVII. century. Its importance grew even more after the acquisition of books from monasteries closed as a result of the Josephine reforms in 1782, and above all from the nearby Jesuit monastery in Telč, abolished together with the entire order in 1773.
The books from Telč were moved along with the valuable furniture, which was modified on the spot for the different shape of the Premonstratensian library.
The aim of this 3D scene is to show the physical structure of the original Telč library furniture and to show its changes since 1773 to the present.
The books from Telč were moved along with the valuable furniture, which was modified on the spot for the different shape of the Premonstratensian library.
The aim of this 3D scene is to show the physical structure of the original Telč library furniture and to show its changes since 1773 to the present.
Scene Features:
admire the beauty and complexity of the current library furniture arrangementfollow the progress of modifications of furniture parts over time
grasp the structure of its division to individual elements
and more…
Last Update 2025-06-22
Author's Note:
This is so far a very preliminary and work-in-progress visual presentation of the still ongoing work of the researchers from the IH CAS, which I am happy to be a part of.
Further technical optimization of the 3D scene and the overall improvement and expansion of the content is on the way.
Architecture
Mobile
Archive
3D Showroom: Magnificent Machinery
The Plum Brandy (Slivovitz) Distillery
From all the steps, needed to change the ripe plums into the “Slivovitz” – gentle picking of plums, their washing, crushing, fermentation, distillation and distillate aging – the distillation is probably the most famous one.
It is, in fact, a separation of desired alcohol and other fermentation substances from the unwanted remains with higher boiling point, and is carried out in a device quite surprisingly called distillery. It contains a heat source, heated container with input fermented plume wash, water condenser/heat exchanger and a final distilate‑receiving flask.
The 3D scene depicts the distillation phase of the Plum Brandy production process and the complicated – yet in its own way beautiful – machine, used to perform the job.
It is, in fact, a separation of desired alcohol and other fermentation substances from the unwanted remains with higher boiling point, and is carried out in a device quite surprisingly called distillery. It contains a heat source, heated container with input fermented plume wash, water condenser/heat exchanger and a final distilate‑receiving flask.
The 3D scene depicts the distillation phase of the Plum Brandy production process and the complicated – yet in its own way beautiful – machine, used to perform the job.
Scene Features:
watch the shiny copper distillery machine to perform its praiseworthy jobsee the colorful spirits flowing through its tangled glass veins
try to assemble the device from the individual parts
and more…
Last Update 2024-02-15
Author's Note:
The goal was to create a comprehensive presentation of the distillation process for the museum exhibition of a major “Slivovitz” producer in Moravian Wallachia, a region known for its centuries‑long tradition of a Plum Brandy production.
Understanding the technical aspects of the subject appeared more important than a 3D modeling, as it was necessary to literally “redesign” the distillation device from scratch – to simplify it to the extent that its structure and principles of operation are clearly apparent.
showMachi1
showMachi2
showMachi3
Architecture
Machinery
Archive
3D Showroom: AR Mobile Applications for Android
The St. Bartholomew's Cathedral (Plzeň, CZ)
The Android AR application displays 3D model of the Cathedral of_St. Bartholomew (city of Plzeň) above the Cathedral ground plan, while the plan image fits the view of the mobile device camera.
How to use the application:
– download the app's APK file and install it on your Android device
– download the corresponding image and either print it or just display it on any screen
– launch the app and point the device camera to the image
– tap the 3D model to switch between the current building and its look during initial construction
How to use the application:
– download the app's APK file and install it on your Android device
– download the corresponding image and either print it or just display it on any screen
– launch the app and point the device camera to the image
– tap the 3D model to switch between the current building and its look during initial construction
Download:
Android Application File — VufTest.apkAR Model Target Image — arBart.jpg
Last Update 2016-05-05
Author's Note:
My first, very “generic” mobile AR application from 2016 (because of that, harmless “obsolescence warning” may be experienced during its installation process). Created more or less for testing purposes, based on the Vuforia plug‑in.
It may be considered as a complement to the publication “Cathedral of St. Bartholomew in Plzeň“ written by J. Soukup, M.Arch., because it uses one of the book illustrations as the AR target image.
The Jesuits Legacy (Telč, CZ)
Three individual 3D sacral objects, related to Jesuits past in the Telč city region, are displayed by this Android AR application, when the mobile device camera points to their matching outline images.
How to use the application:
– download the app's APK file and install it on your Android device
– download the corresponding images and either print them or just display them successively on any screen
– launch the app, point the device camera to any of the images
– tap the appeared 3D model to switch between its versions (where available)
How to use the application:
– download the app's APK file and install it on your Android device
– download the corresponding images and either print them or just display them successively on any screen
– launch the app, point the device camera to any of the images
– tap the appeared 3D model to switch between its versions (where available)
Download:
Android Application File — jezuAR.apkAR Model Target Image — arCollege.jpg
AR Model Target Image — arJames.jpg
AR Model Target Image — arStatue.gif
Last Update 2020-06-10
Author's Note:
Simple mobile AR application, based on the Vuforia plug‑in, features three different objects – Jesuits College and Church of Saint James the Greater (displayed above their respective floor plans, both in their initial and current look), and a photogrammetric 3D model of 250 years old St. John statue from the local Museum collection, displayed over its outline image.
The application was part of the exhibition presenting results of the research project “Telč and Jesuits”, held in 2020.
showMobi2
showMobi3
Architecture
Machinery
Mobile
3D Showroom: Archive of VRML‑based 3D scenes created (mostly) prior to 2005 year
How to view interactive 3D written in Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML)
As the VRML support has been deprecated in 2016, strict conditions must be fulfilled to view these old 3D scenes:
– the hardware platform has to be a Windows x86 PC
– the Microsoft Edge browser must be used
– the proper VRML plugin has to be installed
– the page with 3D content must be rendered in the Internet Explorer‑compatible mode
– while in IE‑compatible mode, the ActiveX controls need to be enabled
But don't worry – if any of the above criteria is not met, the pages on this website will display instead a picture slideshow of the respective 3D scene and list of the failed requirements with hints how to meet them.
How to enable the MS Edge browser to view the VRML content:
Install the VRML plugin:
Download the Cortona VRML plugin from the manufacturer's site and install.
The plugin then appears on the list in “Windows Settings” → “Apps”, and can be uninstalled from there later if desired.
Make the VRML pages on this site to be displayed in IE mode with ActiveX enabled:
• paste the string
• in the “Settings/Default Browser”
set “Allow sites to be reloaded in IE mode”
to “Allow” and restart the browser
• in the section right below, next to the “Internet Explorer mode pages”, click the “Add” button
,
paste the string
dialog box, and click “Add”
• below again, click the “Internet Options” mark
, then, in the pop‑up
, the “Security” tab and the “Trusted sites” sign
• click the “Sites” button
, paste the string above to the “Trusted sites” list upper line
, hit “Add” and then “Close”
Now, the 3D VRML scenes on all pages of this website should be shown without any obstructions.
Note: The procedures above do not apply to MS Edge enterprise. For such case please see the MS Learn site.
– the hardware platform has to be a Windows x86 PC
– the Microsoft Edge browser must be used
– the proper VRML plugin has to be installed
– the page with 3D content must be rendered in the Internet Explorer‑compatible mode
– while in IE‑compatible mode, the ActiveX controls need to be enabled
But don't worry – if any of the above criteria is not met, the pages on this website will display instead a picture slideshow of the respective 3D scene and list of the failed requirements with hints how to meet them.
How to enable the MS Edge browser to view the VRML content:
Install the VRML plugin:
Download the Cortona VRML plugin from the manufacturer's site and install.
The plugin then appears on the list in “Windows Settings” → “Apps”, and can be uninstalled from there later if desired.
Make the VRML pages on this site to be displayed in IE mode with ActiveX enabled:
• paste the string
edge://settings/defaultbrowser to browser address bar and hit ❮Enter❯ for the “Settings” page
• in the “Settings/Default Browser”
set “Allow sites to be reloaded in IE mode” to “Allow” and restart the browser
• in the section right below, next to the “Internet Explorer mode pages”, click the “Add” button
,
paste the string
https://www.ivan3d.cz/vrml/scenes_vrl.html into the “Add a page” dialog box, and click “Add”
• below again, click the “Internet Options” mark
, then, in the pop‑up, the “Security” tab and the “Trusted sites” sign
• click the “Sites” button
, paste the string above to the “Trusted sites” list upper line, hit “Add” and then “Close”
Now, the 3D VRML scenes on all pages of this website should be shown without any obstructions.
Note: The procedures above do not apply to MS Edge enterprise. For such case please see the MS Learn site.
Arch. Prager's Superstructures
The presented concept of the “City above the City”, conceived by the highly acclaimed Czech architect of the sixties, Karel Prager, was intended for the distinct Košíře valley. It was based on so called “Superstructure” – a constant‑pitch system of massive vertical pylons, connected horizontally at different levels by network of “residential beams”, prefabricated in several standardized versions.
The highly interactive 3D scene allows the user to select from different types of “residential beams” and use them to create horizontal junctions between vertical supporting columns at their structural nodes – to build his own unique “Superstructure”.
try to build your own awesome “Superstructures” between the main supporting pylons
choose from three different types of building blocks during assembly
utilize the interactive hints helping to correctly place the parts
judge for yourself the attractivity of living in such structures
start the erection process over and over again
and more…
Download size: 75 kB
The project was completed as late as 2011, ready for events related to the tenth anniversary of the architect Prager's decease. It provided me again an opportunity to delve into yet another unexplored area and, among other things, to learn amazing details about the Czech architecture of the “progressive” sixties and its personalities.
The highly interactive 3D scene allows the user to select from different types of “residential beams” and use them to create horizontal junctions between vertical supporting columns at their structural nodes – to build his own unique “Superstructure”.
Scene Features:
visualize and grasp the idea of the trendy '60 concept “City above the City”, prepared for the Prague city districttry to build your own awesome “Superstructures” between the main supporting pylons
choose from three different types of building blocks during assembly
utilize the interactive hints helping to correctly place the parts
judge for yourself the attractivity of living in such structures
start the erection process over and over again
and more…
Download size: 75 kB
The project was completed as late as 2011, ready for events related to the tenth anniversary of the architect Prager's decease. It provided me again an opportunity to delve into yet another unexplored area and, among other things, to learn amazing details about the Czech architecture of the “progressive” sixties and its personalities.
Lunar Module “Eagle”
The purpose of this scene was to present and educate about something as complex as the ship which took part in one of the most remarkable adventures of the last century – deploying the people to the lunar surface.
The famous spider‑like lander transported its two‑men crew six times successfuly to the Moon and back to orbit without suffering any significant failure.
The scene shows the landing sequence of the Lunar Module, offers an unique view under the Lunar Module skin, allows to enter and examine its tight cockpit and provides an one‑click information about all of its systems.
begin the LM landing procedure from the Moon orbit
watch and hear the jet flame bursts during landing
examine in detail the LM and its inner structure
enter and explore the compact LM cockpit
launch the LM Ascent Stage back home
and more…
Download size: 240 kB
This is my all‑time favorite “pet” project. In particular I value the amount of technical information about the LM systems, which was put in. The first version of this project was created as early as in 1996! It underwent numerous face lifts since then, and another round of much needed improvements and corrections is scheduled for the near future.
The famous spider‑like lander transported its two‑men crew six times successfuly to the Moon and back to orbit without suffering any significant failure.
The scene shows the landing sequence of the Lunar Module, offers an unique view under the Lunar Module skin, allows to enter and examine its tight cockpit and provides an one‑click information about all of its systems.
Scene Features:
obtain comprehensive information about all LM systemsbegin the LM landing procedure from the Moon orbit
watch and hear the jet flame bursts during landing
examine in detail the LM and its inner structure
enter and explore the compact LM cockpit
launch the LM Ascent Stage back home
and more…
Download size: 240 kB
This is my all‑time favorite “pet” project. In particular I value the amount of technical information about the LM systems, which was put in. The first version of this project was created as early as in 1996! It underwent numerous face lifts since then, and another round of much needed improvements and corrections is scheduled for the near future.
Around Borders
Kitchy Photos
My 3D Globe: Edifices on the Globe
Remarkable Buildings placed on the 3D Globe
The interactive Globe contains 3D collection of somehow significant architectural objects at their accurate geographical locations. Each object is complemented by a brief description, few words about its history and possibly other related facts.
The scene UI provides the user with possibility to toggle on the map text labels to gain better awareness of the current geographical location. It will also soon allow to simulate lighting conditions during various year's seasons and times of day.
The scene UI provides the user with possibility to toggle on the map text labels to gain better awareness of the current geographical location. It will also soon allow to simulate lighting conditions during various year's seasons and times of day.
Scene Content:
Chotěšov – Church of St. Wenceslas Chotíkov – Incineration Plant Knínice – Church of the Exaltation of the Holy CrossPrague – Palace Akropolis Plasy – Brewery & Farmhouse Plzeň – Cathedral of St. Bartholomew Telč – Church of St. James
Zelená Hora – Church of St. John of Nepomuk (arch. J. A. Santini)
Last Update 2025-06-17
Author's Note:
Most of the presented 3D buildings are byproducts of various projects I had been involved in during the last two decades.
Finding and extracting the relevant assets from all my scattered data archives was even more challenging task than cleaning, optimizing and converting the said files to proper format and mastering the CesiumJS API in order to create a reasonably usable online 3D experience.
The search still continues and many more items are hopefuly coming.
tripEdif1
tripEdif2
tripEdif3
Globe Edifices
Kitchy Photos
My 3D Globe: Around the Czech Borders
Bike Roundtrip through the Czech Border Hills
The idea of cycling around the borders of the Czech Republic, mostly through border hills and across forests that, due to the existence of Iron Curtain in the past, are still relatively desolate, was something my friends and I started to pursue in 2005.
We could dedicate no more than one or two weeks each year to this noble goal. During those weeks, we spent our nights in the wild, usually without tents, and spent whole days pedaling, experiencing the pleasant feeling of discovering new uncharted territories.
The task was completed after about ten years. During the journey, we had many adventures, took many photographs, and also recorded part of the routes using GPS.
Unfortunately, gathering and organizing these materials and converting them into a suitable format is proving to be quite a challenging task.
Once it's finished, the result will be presented here, with all the routes charted on the 3D Globe.
We could dedicate no more than one or two weeks each year to this noble goal. During those weeks, we spent our nights in the wild, usually without tents, and spent whole days pedaling, experiencing the pleasant feeling of discovering new uncharted territories.
The task was completed after about ten years. During the journey, we had many adventures, took many photographs, and also recorded part of the routes using GPS.
Unfortunately, gathering and organizing these materials and converting them into a suitable format is proving to be quite a challenging task.
Once it's finished, the result will be presented here, with all the routes charted on the 3D Globe.
tripBord1
tripBord2
tripBord3
Globe Edifices
Around Borders
My 3D Globe: Kitchy Photos Digest
My Favorite Photos
Here, there should be photographs selected from those I took while traveling around the Czech Republic – some taken with a drone, some with a mobile phone of inferior quality – placed on the 3D Globe so that the location of their origin is clearly visible.
Coming – hopefully – soon!
Coming – hopefully – soon!
tripPhoto1
tripPhoto2
tripPhoto3
Credits
News & Notes: News
Disclaimer
The Author hereby confesses he is well aware of the overly colourful look of his webpage. He states the following in his defence:“… The flamboyant coloring is just a side effect of my learning experiments with HTML and especially with CSS. The intended (and achieved) result of my effort is, that all visual elements, such as colored toolbars, lines, bullets, header text decoration, “glass” effects, and even the background pattern and gradients, are created solely by HTML & CSS code, without any texture or image files.”
News Stream
2025‑03‑17: The first lines of the code for this web were written as early as in 2014, the first fully working version was put online as late as 2025!
References
About Author: Contact & Curriculum Vitae
Ivan Klíma
born: Plzeň, Czech Republiceducation: Master's Degree – Nuclear Design, Mechanical University of Plzeň, CZ; IAEA fellowship at MIT Boston, USA
occupation: last regular – researcher & 3D modeler in a joint team of NHI Telč and Institute of History CAS
e‑mail: ivan at ivan3d dot cz
Of course I have many other hobbies like eating, sleeping, running barefoot through the summer morning dew etc.; but as the content of this site deals mainly with my 3D, engineering and educational achievements, let's stay focused on that:
Since my early school days I enjoyed reading about the greatest marvels of the engineering and technology – airplanes, ships, the adventures of the space exploration… Fortunately, soon enough I myself got a chance to become part of one undoubtedly adventurous technological project – as a member of the Westinghouse fuel design team in South Carolina I participated at the world's‑first adaptation of a western nuclear fuel design to the eastern power reactor – Czech NPP Temelín.
My second “world's‑first” came just a few years later. During my stay at MIT in Boston I fell in love with 3D computer graphics and met there with a group of similarly focused MIT and Cambridge University graduates. As a part of their effort to develop and sell a plug‑in, enabling then popular web browser Netscape Navigator to display on‑line 3D objects, we jointly created one of the world's‑first interactive 3D on‑line scenes, used as a commercial for the company LG Electronics.
My third “world's‑first” was a logical result of the original interest in technology combined with the new passion for the art of 3D interactive graphics: In 2008, I took part in the successful 3D digitalization of the historical Langweil's paper model of Prague city. It consisted of nearly 3 000 buildings and 5 000 pieces of vegetation, all created by a single person, humble Clementinum library valet Antonín Langweil, at the beginning of the nineteenth century.
The final product – an interactive 3D digital representation of over 20 m² paper model area, is a result of the world's‑first contactless 3D digitalization process performed at such a large scale.
The Langweil case made me realize that people's stories can be sometimes equally remarkable as the technological wonders. It brought the history to the list of my hobbies and got me where I am now – blatantly enjoying myself using advanced 3D tools to educate interested audience about the great achievements of architecture and technology in the human history, and paying so at least a small tribute to those sometimes forgotten great minds behind them.
Curriculum Vitae
Škoda Nuclear, Plzeň, CZ – Design Division, Development Unit– involvement in the reactor vessel remote inspection system SKIN feature upgrade
– design of the radiation detection systems testing rig for the NPP Dukovany
and quite a few other projects
Westinghouse, Columbia SC, USA – Nuclear Fuel Design Division
As a member of the VVER Fuel Team I actively participated at:
– design and load calculations of mechanical parts of the fuel assemblies
– design and implementation of mechanical testing program of the fuel connection joints
The whole team received the “George Westinghouse Innovation Award”
MIT, Boston MA, USA – one‑year IAEA fellowship
– study specialization “Design Materials of Nuclear Systems”
Online Environs, Inc. – collaboration with the Boston‑based start‑up
– involved in a company effort to develop and commercially utilize then new and promising 3D viewing internet technology VRML
– the winner of the “Engineering Applications” category at the SGI‑organized annual competition “VRML Award”
Škoda Works, Plzeň, CZ – member of the “Strategy Team” – an advisers body of the General Manager
“Web3D RoundUp” – participation at the Web3D competition held during the SIGGRAPH conference in Los Angeles, CA
– advanced to finals, my entry presented live during the final “RoundUp” ceremony
MeetFactory Oy – collaboration with the Helsinki‑based Finland start‑up
– engaged in the design of internet 3D virtual environments
Institutt for Energiteknikk, Halden, Norway – Man‑Machine Interface Division
My work in the highly acclaimed research facility was focused on the applications of various 3D technologies to the nuclear environment, such as:
– interactive visualization of nuclear fuel exchange in the Halden research reactor
– visual description of radioactivity levels in the Halden reactor hall
– visualization of ionization flux levels inside the International Space Station (ISS)
and many other areas
Freelance 3D developer – specialized in interactive visualizations of industrial and education‑related topics
Some distinctive projects are mentioned in the References tab section.
2016 ‑ 2020: NHI Telč, CZ – researcher & 3D modeller
Member of the joint team of NHI and Czech Institute of History, engaged in the Czech Ministry of Culture research project “Telč and Jesuits, the Order and its Patrons”; quite enjoyable job assignment which brought me in touch with the “magic world” of humane‑educated academics and historians
The project's goal was to describe mutual interaction between the Order and a local nobility as well as to assess the Order's contribution to the architectural heritage of the historical Telč city area.
My activities as a researcher were focused on the following areas:
– review of historical resources related to architectural objects of interest as well as their physical research on‑site
– drone photogrammetry documentation of historical buildings and artefacts, its processing into the 3D models
– creation of optimized interactive 3D models and mobile AR apps for the project outcomes dissemination
– publishing articles, lecturing, presentations
2021 ‑ now: Freelance 3D developer – interactive visualizations of historical architecture, educational and mechanical engineering topics
I have tried to apply my technical skills and 3D‑related experience, gained throughout all my previous assignments, primarily in meaningful projects – it means those that have, besides purely commercial sense, also educational, aesthetic, or other added value.
Fortunately, most of my projects have met this criterion (well, at least in my humble opinion), and their complexity – and attractiveness to me – mostly stemmed more from fields such as architecture, history, or engineering, rather than from the creation of 3D content itself.
The most notable ones are described in the References tab section.
Contact & CV
About Author: References
Interactive Aircraft Models for the Flight Data Evaluation Systems (FDES)
Ongoing collaboration with the FDES manufacturer SPEEL – the Czech Aerospace Research Centre spin-off – on the development of accurate dynamic aircraft models for visual interpretation of the FDES flight data recordsresearch of the aircraft documentation
creation of dimensionally accurate and fully textured aircraft 3D models
defining motion ranges and axes of rotation of the movable parts
export into the FDES visualisation system
“Langweil's Prague” – 3D Digitalization of the 19th Century Paper Model
World's unique non-contact 3D scan and virtual model creation of about 20 m2 miniature (approx. 1:400 scale) Prague city paper model built in 1830two years assignment as a chief 3D modeler responsible for the final geometry optimization and integration
creation of 3D stereo movie, permanently on display at the Langweil exhibition
Project owner: the Prague City Museum
Contact:
Curator PhDr. K. Bečková (tel. +420 251 106 565)
Project Manager Ing. J. Buriánek (tel. +420 261 260 218)
Contact:
Curator PhDr. K. Bečková (tel. +420 251 106 565)
Project Manager Ing. J. Buriánek (tel. +420 261 260 218)
Member of a multilatelar scientific team exploring the impact of the Jesuit Order on cultural and architectural development of the Telč city regionfive years assignment as a researcher and 3D modeler
research of historical documentation related to the local architecture
on‑site exploration of architectural objects of interest
drone photogrammetric documentation of historical objects, its processing into 3D models
created interactive 3D models and mobile AR apps for the project presentation
lectures, publishing articles, general project results dissemination
For the project 3D outcomes see the outcomes page
Awarding authority: Ministry of Culture Czech Republic
Contact:
Project Lead Mgr. K. Bobková‑Valentová, Ph.D (tel. +420 225 443 236)
Contact:
Project Lead Mgr. K. Bobková‑Valentová, Ph.D (tel. +420 225 443 236)
Visualization of an Early Medieval Settlement at Starý Plzenec Area
Visualization of the ancient populated area near Plzeň town, including fortification and cross-sections of important buildings3D model created in accordance with archeological findings in close collaboration with the local museum specialists
rendered animation sequences for the video document, part of the permanent exhibition at the West-Bohemian Museum
3D model converted into an interactive form and integrated into the Starý Plzenec web page (⇒ menu ⇒ Model…)
Customer: the West‑Bohemian Museum Plzeň and Starý Plzenec municipality
Contact:
Museum Director Mgr. J. Orna (tel. +420 378 370 110)
Municipality of Starý Plzenec (tel. +420 377 183 655)
Contact:
Museum Director Mgr. J. Orna (tel. +420 378 370 110)
Municipality of Starý Plzenec (tel. +420 377 183 655)
Interactive Visualization of the Great Synagogue of Plzeň
Visualization of the second largest synagogue in Europe in its both known versions – the existing building, designed by arch. Emmanuel Klotz in 1890 – and the original project submitted by the renowned Jewish Viennese architect Max Fleischer and refused by the Plzeň city councilors in the 1888 yearresearch and evaluation of the original XIX. century construction documentation
participation at subsequent visual appearance reconstruction of the Fleischer's design performed by J. Soukup, M.Arch.
created 3D models of both existing and originally planned synagogue version incl. crossections with interiors
3D models converted into an optimized interactive 3D scene and integrated to the Jewish Community web page
Customer: the Jewish Community Plzeň
Contact:
Plzeň Jewish Community Head Jiří Lowy (tel. +420 377 235 749)
J. Soukup, M.Arch. (Atelier Soukup Opl Svehla)
Contact:
Plzeň Jewish Community Head Jiří Lowy (tel. +420 377 235 749)
J. Soukup, M.Arch. (Atelier Soukup Opl Svehla)
Visualization of Architectural Development of the St. Bartholomew's Cathedral in Plzeň
Illustration of the Cathedral's changes in structure and appearance throughout the history for the book “Cathedral of St. Bartholomew in Plzeň“ written by J. Soukup, M.Arch.participation at the reconstruction of the building's architectural development performed by the book author
created 3D models describing the Cathedral's four historical phases
rendered illustrations for the printed publication
created Android mobile AR app displaying relevant 3D objects over the book illustrations
Illustration of Architectural Development of the Roman Church of St. Nicholas in Potvorov
Visualization of the XIII. century Roman monument (one of the oldest in West Bohemia region) and its estimated original look for the printed media published by the local Potvorov Societyparticipation at the reconstruction of the building's initial appearance performed by J. Soukup, M.Arch.
created 3D models of both current and initial look of the building, including interior cross-sections
rendered illustrations for the printed brochure and posters
3D models converted into an optimized interactive 3D scene and integrated to the Potvorov Society web page
Visualization of the Baroque Provostry Mariánská Týnice
3D visualization of the national heritage object designed by the famous baroque architect Jan Blažej SantiniIt was completed just recently by erecting the east cloister, included in the original XVIII. century project, but missing for over three hundred years.
created detailed 3D model of the baroque provostry in Mariánská Týnice and its newly built east annexe
rendered illustrations for brochures and posters (widely published in media)
animations for the video document (director M. Šandová – “Baroque Mirror”)
the model used in the AR application – component of the West Bohemian exhibition at EXPO 2015 Milan, Italy
Customer: the Museum of Northern Plzeň Region in Mariánská Týnice
Contact:
Museum Director Mgr. Pavel Kodera, Ph.D. (tel. +420 373 396 410)
Contact:
Museum Director Mgr. Pavel Kodera, Ph.D. (tel. +420 373 396 410)
3D Information System for the Architectural Heritage Center at Plasy
Touchscreen UI‑controlled 3D navigation throughout the Centre's objects – XIX. century brewery and farming yard – including foldable floor plans and relevant text informationcreated interactive 3D models of both Centre's buildings and their individual floors
developed touchscreen app revealing the floor arrangements with distinguished exhibition areas and their text description
the app displayed at the large screen became a permanent part of the exhibition
Project owner: the National Technical Museum
Created for‑ and in collaboration with‑ the AV Media company
Contact:
Project Manager Ing. J. Buriánek (tel. +420 261 260 218)
Created for‑ and in collaboration with‑ the AV Media company
Contact:
Project Manager Ing. J. Buriánek (tel. +420 261 260 218)
Interactive Visualization of the Waste Incineration Plant ZEVO Plzeň for its Information Centre
Interactive touchscreen 3D model of the Waste Incineration Plant, illustrating its structure and principles of operationcreated 3D model of the plant, its interior systems and animation of technological processes
developed touchscreen app allowing to interactively assemble the Plant and to visualize its operation
the project became a permanent part of the plant Information Centre exposition
Project owner: the Plzeňská Teplárenská a.s.
Created for‑ and in collaboration with‑ the AV Media company
Contact:
Project Manager Ing. J. Buriánek (tel. +420 261 260 218)
Created for‑ and in collaboration with‑ the AV Media company
Contact:
Project Manager Ing. J. Buriánek (tel. +420 261 260 218)
Line of Animated Visualizations for the Information Centre of NPP Dukovany
Series of technical animations, illustratively explaining the NPP structure, function and purpose of its individual elements, integrated into the Centre's interactive exhibition itemsvisualization of the NPP's VVER440 type reactor design, operation and control principles
description of a nuclear fuel design
presentation of the complete powerplant fuel cycle
the project became a permanent part of the plant Information Centre exposition
Project owner: the ČEZ Group
Created for‑ and in collaboration with‑ the AV Media company
Contact:
Project Manager Ing. J. Buriánek (tel. +420 261 260 218)
Created for‑ and in collaboration with‑ the AV Media company
Contact:
Project Manager Ing. J. Buriánek (tel. +420 261 260 218)
“Build Your Own 3D Plum Brandy Distillery” for the Slivovitz Museum
Interactive touchscreen 3D model of the Distillery, illustrating its structure and the plum brandy productioncreated 3D model of a distilling system, animation of its assembly procedure and principles of operation
developed touchscreen app showing the plum processing and allowing interactive assembly of the Distillery
the project became a permanent part of the Museum exposition
Project owner: Rudolf Jelínek a.s.
Created for‑ and in collaboration with‑ the AV Media company
Contact:
Project Manager Ing. J. Buriánek (tel. +420 261 260 218)
Created for‑ and in collaboration with‑ the AV Media company
Contact:
Project Manager Ing. J. Buriánek (tel. +420 261 260 218)
“Build Your Own 3D Steam Engine” for the Prague Exhibition of the Museum of Agriculture
Interactive touchscreen 3D model of the Steam Engine, illustrating its structure and principles of operationcreated 3D model of the engine, animation of its assembly procedure and kinematics of its crankshaft mechanism
developed touchscreen app showing the steam flow utilization and allowing interactive assembly of the engine
the project became a permanent part of the Museum exposition
Project owner: National Museum of Agriculture
Created for‑ and in collaboration with‑ the AV Media company
Contact:
Project Manager Ing. J. Buriánek (tel. +420 261 260 218)
Created for‑ and in collaboration with‑ the AV Media company
Contact:
Project Manager Ing. J. Buriánek (tel. +420 261 260 218)
Series of Educational CD Titles with Science and Engineering Content
Line of CDs, certified both by the Czech and Slovak Ministry of Education for use in basic schools and containing numerous “How it works” interactive 3D scenes covering mainly science and engineering topicsBroad and interesting, but already ancient project from the very dawn of the XXI. century, mentioned here mainly because of nostalgia. The 3D content of the CDs, while modestly sophisticated, was based on now obsolete VRML technology.
co-creator of the 3D interactive part
Ivan's Web 3D Page
