The process of transforming representations of objects, such as the middle point coordinate of a sphere and a point on its circumference into a polygon representation of a sphere, is called tessellation. Level sets are a useful representation for deforming surfaces which undergo many topological changes such as fluids. Polygonal meshes (and to a lesser extent subdivision surfaces) are by far the most common representation. In a shell model of a cube, the bottom and top surface of the cube must have a uniform thickness with no holes or cracks in the first and last layer printed. Shell models must be manifold (having no holes or cracks in the shell) to be meaningful as a real object. Differences between them are mostly variations in the way they are created and edited and conventions of use in various fields and differences in types of approximations between the model and reality. Solid and shell modeling can create functionally identical objects.

Almost all visual models used in games and film are shell models. the boundary of the object, not its volume (like an infinitesimally thin eggshell).

Shell or boundary – These models represent the surface, i.e.Solid models are mostly used for engineering and medical simulations, and are usually built with constructive solid geometry

Solid – These models define the volume of the object they represent (like a rock).

The Utah teapot is one of the most common models used in 3D graphics education.Īlmost all 3D models can be divided into two categories: For more advanced users, there is SketchUp Shop and SketchUp Pro, which come with a vast array of additional features.īelow is a table that will allow you to decide which version is most suitable for your needs.A modern render of the iconic Utah teapot model developed by Martin Newell (1975). There is a free version of SketchUp, which is used within your web browser. Some people use SketchUp for more detailed design, but it lacks some features in other architecture software such as Revit or Vectorworks. It is often viewed as one of the easiest 3D modeling software to learn and is very user friendly.Īs the name suggests, SketchUp is a sketch based software primarily used for concept design. SketchUp is a 3D modeling software used primarily by architects and interior designers.

Google sketchup web app