SVG:
SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) is a file layout for (internet) graphics. As the name already suggests, SVG deals with vector graphics, comparable with the well-known Shock Wave Flash (SWF) graphics. In practice it means zooming in and out of illustrations without affecting the quality of the illustration.

Just as with Flash, your browser needs a plugin to be able to display the graphics. Most browsers are expected to be able to display SVGs in their standard versions in the future.

SVGs are text-based (XML) so that separate objects in the drawing or illustration can be identified and edited. The style (for example the line colour or position) of an object can be modified interactively using a script. Animations can also be used.
The files are generally very small and can be reduced even further by comprising the XML code (SVGZ).

The format is therefore very suitable for instance for online spare parts lists.
SVG is actively supported by companies such as Adobe, Agfa, Apple, Canon, Corel, Ericsson, HP, IBM, Kodak, Macromedia, Microsoft, Nokia, Sharp, and Sun Microsystems. The SVG viewer is already installed on more than 100 million desktops.
(source: World Wide Web Consortium)

You can download the SVG viewer free of charge at: Adobe SVG Zone.


Start the SteamWhistle Case Study to review a real SVG application in a spare parts environment.

XVL:
Using XVL (eXtensible Virtual world description Language) complex 3D CAD data from the design environment (Inventor, Pro-Engineer, etc.) can be made suitable for use on the inter/intranet, for example as interactive images for an online catalogue. The 3D functionality of the image is retained, while the file size is drastically reduced. A standard internet browser and a plugin (XVL viewer) are used to rotate and manipulate the 3D parts and to zoom in on details. Separate parts in the image can be made interactive and linked to order lists, etc.

3D functionality in the image

Benefits:

• Platform independent;
• Makes direct use of the 3D CAD data provided by Engineering;
• High degree of data reduction and compression (up to 0.5% of the original file size);
• XML compatible file format.

Possible applications:

• Product catalogues (for Sales and Procurement);
• Spare parts systems;
• Information exchange between companies or departments;
• Technical information systems, for example for Service.