ABSTRACT
In just the past decade, virtual environment (VE) applications have emerged in entertainment, training, education, and other areas (see Chapters 37 through 49, this book). In that time, extensive research in VE technology has also been conducted. However, the terminology used to characterize this technology is still evolving. In fact, Durlach and Mavor (1995, p. 2) indicate that “inadequate terminology [is] being used” to describe VE technology and its applications. It is thus important to describe the key terms that are used in this handbook. The objective is not to resolve differences between disparate uses (in fact, often multiple, even conªicting de˜nitions are presented) but rather to provide a coherent set of commonly used terms. While it is customary to present a glossary at the end of handbooks such as this one, this work starts out with a glossary so that readers may develop a common understanding of the terms used throughout the handbook. Paradoxically, the one term that remains particularly elusive is virtual environment. Many authors, especially those among the application chapters (see Chapters 36 through 50, this book), have catered the de˜nition of VE to ˜t the forms of the technology that best suit their needs. Perhaps this de˜nitional multiplicity demonstrates the versatile nature of VE technology and its wide array of potential uses.
