3D modeling

3D modeling is a branch of computer animation, and it is also called 3D computer graphics. Those vivid figures which showing on the film screen are actually all derived from 3D modeling. 3D modeling is actually the process of developing a mathematical representation of any three-dimensional surface of an object (either inanimate or living) via specialized software.  The product is called a 3D model. It can be displayed as a two-dimensional image through a process called 3D rendering or used in a computer simulation of physical phenomena. The model can also be physically created using 3D printing devices. Models may be created automatically or manually. The manual modeling process of preparing geometric data for 3D computer graphics is similar to plastic arts such as sculpting.

Three-dimensional (3D) models represent a physical body using a collection of points in 3D space, connected by various geometric entities such as triangles, lines, curved surfaces, etc. Nowadays, 3D modeling has a wide field of applications. The medical industry uses models as organs or CT scans; The movie and computer game industry uses this technique to create figures and characters; The engineering community uses models to design new devices as well. 3D models can also be the basis for physical devices that are built with 3D printers or CNC machines.

Almost all 3D models can be divided into two groups. One type is solid models--These models define the volume of the object they represent (like a rock). These are more realistic, but more difficult to build. Solid models are mostly used for nonvisual simulations. The other is called "shell" or "boundary" models---these models represent the surface, e.g. the boundary of the object, not its volume (like an infinitesimally thin eggshell). These are easier to work with than solid models. Almost all visual models used in games and film are shell models.

The process of building up models can be mostly divided into three steps. The fist step is called "polygonal model", which is the step to build up vertices and connect to line segments. The next step is curve modeling, which is about the surfaces and contours. The last step is called digital sculpting, which is actually the "programming" step. The data and algorithm will be combined with the model which will finally present the 3D model on the screen.

Compared with 2D modelling, 3D models have its own advantages. First is the flexibility, which is the ability to change angles or animate images with quicker rendering of the changes; Then it is also easy to rendering and improve the accuracy of photorealism. Thus, 3D modeling has a great potential in the market.



Reference:
1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3D_modeling

Picture Reference:
1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3D_modeling#/media/File:Utah_teapot_simple_2.png