Integrating interactive 3-D diagrams into hypermedia documentation

'Virtual Reality', or interactive 3-D graphics has been the subject of much hype with regard to its promise in the field of engineering. If virtual reality provides a uniquely effective means of conveying information about 3-D forms, as its proponents contend, then it should have found widespread acceptance in the field of technical documentation, which is the distribution of information concerning engineering products. However, to date the use of this technology in working documentation systems is limited. This paper discusses some of the reasons for the limited progress made in the use of interactive 3-D in technical information systems, and concludes that there is a central role for interactive 3-D in technical documentation, but that progress needs to be made in the its authoring and presentation. The methodology of the production of interactive 3-D technical diagrams is discussed. Examples of some prototype tools are presented.