Behind
the Scenes : A quick look at how the 3D images
are created
All the 3D models on this site have been created with
a Registered full version of 3D
Studio Max 8 from AutoDesk. This industry leading
3D modeling, animation, and rendering program is capable
of producing near photo-realistic results.
On the left is a Flash8 preview animation (3Mb) showing a fly-by of an earlier version of the Escort Mk1 RS model. This animation is in a shaded testing mode. Final renders have full lighting and reflection effects and are photo-realistic.
A VERY quick
overview of the processes involved in realising a 3D
model is shown below.
3D Max supplies the tools for manipulating objects
in 3D space with a basic 3D layout of Plan, Side, Front
and Isometric views (see below). In these views it is
possible to start with a simple 4-sided polygon (or
flat square) and extrude each of its edges. Perform
this many, many times adjusting the position of each
vertice (or point) and you arrive at a recognisable
shape.
Basic 3D views layout - showing
the MK1 Escort RS model
3D Max also has a powerful material editor enabling
the 3D objects to be painted with textures. Within this
Material Editor the properties of the material can be
edited - e.g. Colour, Reflectivity, Specular etc. When
added along with a lighting setup it is possible to
for the PC to calculate/render, using complex lighting
rules and maths, remarkably life-like images :
MK2 Escort RS shown in Isometric
3d View
MK2 Escort RS with some materials
and lighting added
The image below shows an earlier version of the MK1
from the very start:
DM
Multimedia Ltd
