Presenting three-dimensional forensic facial simulations on the Internet using VRML

Advances in graphical computing have led to the development of computerized simulation models for forensic facial reconstruction in three dimensions. As well as being rapid and repeatable, computerization also offers a flexible means of presenting finished reconstructions. Here we describe the presentation of virtual images of plastic reconstructions on the Internet using virtual reality modeling language (VRl'vIL) and the enhancement of the final images using a commercially available three-dimensional editing program. The Internet offers an additional medium for presenting images to the public which will complement the traditional methods. International round-the-clock accessibility to images is gained, combined with the facility to interact freely with the reconstruction in three dimensions. Use of the Internet will also facilitate an efficient internationally available service for computerized forensic facial reconstruction.