In this new post from Richard Davey today, there's a look at the latest release of a pretty cool little PEAR package - Image_3D.

On November 7th Tobias Schlitt and Kore Nordmann released a new alpha of their Image 3D Pear package. The aim of this package is to create 3D objects using nothing but native PHP code (no extensions). The objects can be rendered out via GD, SVG or ASCII. With a number of built-in primitives such as a cube, sphere, cone and torus, plus the ability to place coloured lights, alter object transparency and import 3DS files, this is one powerful package! I gave it a quick run through today and am reporting back on my findings.

Apparently "a quick run through" involves not only looking at what the package is all about, but also how to use it (just short of an actual code-based tutorial). He talks about some of the basics that are built in (like cones, spheres, 3D text) and a cool addition that will let you integrate other objects you've created - the ability to import files from 3D Studio...