Scalable Vector Graphics

2D-graphics markup language based on XML

Pictures are described by their structure - composition of curves, shapes, text and also bitmaps.

To view a SVG picture we need a special viewer (already integrated in the latest versions of the most popular web browsers). If we use an older browser, we need to install SVG viewer as a plug-in. An excellent SVG plug-in for Windows and Macintosh was produced by Adobe.

The SVG pictures are not static: zoom, move, search, animate, ... Using JavaScript support, the pictures can be made alive and interactive.

SVG pictures can be produced using drawing tools: Adobe Illustrator 10, Corel Draw 10, WebDraw (by Jasc), Mayura.

The main applications of SVG are data visualization, presentations (like Power Point), maps (GIS), technical layouts and educational pictures (illustrations).