Graphics on the Web (Prior to SVG…)

Pixel based images (gif, png, jpeg, …)
- Fixed resolution
- Can be very large
- Original “information” is lost
  - difficult to add metadata, adapt to viewing environment
- Limited interaction (except for animated gifs and the like)
- Need vector based graphics!
Proprietary solutions
- proprietary authoring tools, players, …
- relatively “heavy” solutions
- difficult to influence the evolution
- all kinds of copyright/patent issues
- Need an open standard!

I Herman, W3C, Head of Offices,
© 1994-2004, W3C (MIT,ERCIM,Keio)

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