Web-Based Vector Graphics

Overview You probably have seen Web-based vector graphics while browsing the Internet. Many experts believe that scalable vector graphics (SVG) will play a central role in the future of Web graphics display technology. Flash graphics--a browser independent technology used to create animated images--currently represent the standard for Web-based scalable graphics. You can find an incredible array of resources for both SVG and Flash graphics formats online including plug-in downloads, tutorials, FAQs, and technical guides.

General Information What are SVG and Flash graphics? How are these graphics created? How does a browser display these types of Web-based vector graphics? You can find answers to these questions at Webopedia.com along with definitions for both “Flash” and “SVG”. Another way to answer your questions about SVG and Flash graphics is to visit any of the following pages.

• www.carto.net/papers/svg/comparison_flash_svg.html
• builder.cnet.com/webbuilding/0-3883.html
• www.planetpublish.com/mainpage.asp?webpageid=229
• www.xmlhack.com/read.php?item=1308

SVG Resources For an  introduction to SVG technology, check out the Mozilla SVG Project at Mozilla.org and “Get Ready for the Awesome Power of SVG” by Kas Thomas. For more detailed information about this technology, read the article “Scalable Vector Graphics” by Molly E. Holzschlag. This article discusses such topics as software creation and compression. The W3C’s (World Wide Web Consortium) SVG specifications can be found at www.w3.org/TR/SVG. Additionally, look for software downloads, tutorials, and FAQs on this Google.com Directory page.

Flash and Shockwave Resources While SVG technology is most likely the future of Web-based vector graphics, Flash graphics technology is the present standard. Some experts have pointed out that SVG and Flash technologies both fill separate niches. Flash technology is best for Web animations and interactive functions, while SVG technology soon might replace bitmap formats as the most common way to display graphics on the Web. The article “Sonify your Sites with Flash” by Hayden Porter is a helpful introduction to Flash graphics and their uses in Web pages. You can find out how Flash works by reading the HowStuffWorks.com article “How Web Animation Works”. This Google.com Directory page offers numerous links to Web sites with Flash resources.

Click this link to download the latest version of the Macromedia Flash player directly from the Macromedia site. If you are interested in creating your own Flash graphics, be sure to visit the Web site flashkit.com. Here you will find all of the necessary tools and information.