Abstract: A method for providing information representing physical features of a portion of a three-dimensional surface, the information including data files at different resolution levels. The data files are stored in a hierarchical file system. A hash value is computed from a file designator of a data file and is assigned to the data file. The data file is stored according to the assigned hash value in the file system. A request hash value is received from the external device, and a data file that has an assigned value corresponding to the request hash value is provided to the external device. A method for receiving such information is also provided, in which information including an information designator is requested. A request hash value is computed from the information designator and transmitted to the server. A data file that includes the requested information is received from the remote server.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method, system and device for distributing in real time data related to three dimensional computer modeled images scenes over a network. To provide a faster and better visual quality of the rendered frames on a client computer, the client computer first receives an initial file comprising a minimum of geometrical data and texture data to provide a minimum of visual quality of the displayed scene. By evaluating an importance factor for textures used in the scenes, the client computer may request the server for further data to improve the visual quality of the scene.