A 3D model of a character in the 3D modeler LightWave, shown in various manners and from different perspectives

In 3D computer graphics, a 3D model is a mathematical representation of a three-dimensional object. It can be displayed as a two-dimensional image through a process called 3D rendering or used in a computer simulation of physical phenomena. Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1280x1024, 642 KB)Modeler 8. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1280x1024, 642 KB)Modeler 8. ... A 3D modeler is a software application used to visually produce polygonal 3D models, or the title of a professional who uses the software to produce 3D models. ... LightWave (or, more properly, LightWave 3D) is a computer graphics program for 3D modeling, rendering, and animation. ... A 3D rendering with raytracing and ambient occlusion using Blender and Yafray 3D computer graphics are works of graphic art that were created with the aid of digital computers and specialized 3D software. ... Euclid, Greek mathematician, 3rd century BC, known today as the father of geometry; shown here in a detail of The School of Athens by Raphael. ... The space we live in is three-dimensional space. ... aaaaabbbb This page is a candidate for speedy deletion. ... A Lego RCX Computer is an example of an embedded computer used to control mechanical devices. ... Wooden mechanical horse simulator during WWI. A simulation is an imitation of some real thing, state of affairs, or process. ...

3D models are most often created with special software applications called 3D modelers. Being a collection of data (points and other information), 3D models can be created by hand or algorithmically (procedural modeling). Though they most often exist virtually (on a computer or a file on disk), even a description of such a model on paper can be considered a 3D model. Application software is a subclass of computer software that employs the capabilities of a computer directly to a task that the user wishes to perform. ... A 3D modeler is a software application used to visually produce polygonal 3D models, or the title of a professional who uses the software to produce 3D models. ... A spatial point is an entity with a location in space but no extent (volume, area or length). ... Flowcharts are often used to graphically represent algorithms. ... Procedural modeling is an umbrella term for a number of techniques in computer graphics to create 3D models and textures from sets of rules. ... A Lego RCX Computer is an example of an embedded computer used to control mechanical devices. ... A computer file is a collection of information that is stored in a computer system and can be identified by its full path name. ...

3D models are widely used anywhere 3D graphics are used. Actually, their use predates the widespread use of 3D graphics on personal computers. Many computer games used pre-rendered images of 3D models as sprites before computers could render them in real-time. A 3D rendering with raytracing and ambient occlusion using Blender and Yafray 3D computer graphics are works of graphic art that were created with the aid of digital computers and specialized 3D software. ... A computer game is a game composed of a computer-controlled virtual universe that players interact with in order to achieve a defined goal or set of goals. ... In computer graphics, a sprite (also known by other names; see Synonyms below) is a two-dimensional image or animation that is integrated into a larger scene. ...

Today, 3D models are used in a wide variety of fields. The medical industry uses detailed models of organs. The movie industry uses them as characters and objects for animated and real-life motion pictures. The video game industry uses them as assets for computer and video games. The science sector uses them as highly detailed models of chemical compounds. The architecture industry uses them to demonstrate proposed buildings and landscapes. The engineering community uses them as designs of new devices, vehicles and structures as well as a host of other uses. In recent decades the earth science community has started to construct 3D geological models as a standard practice. Film is a term that encompasses motion pictures as individual projects, as well as the field in general. ... The computer and video game industry is the economic sector involved with the development, marketing and sale of video and computer games. ... It has been suggested that Multiplayer Video Games be merged into this article or section. ... Earth science (also known as geoscience, the geosciences or the Earth Sciences), is an all-embracing term for the sciences related to the planet Earth. ...

A 3D model by itself is not visual. It can be rendered as a simple wireframe at varying levels of detail, or shaded in a variety of ways. Many 3D models, however, are covered in a covering called a texture (the process of aligning the texture to coordinates on the 3D model is called texture mapping). A texture is nothing more than a graphic image, but gives the model more detail and makes it look more realistic. A 3D model of a person, for example, looks more realistic with a texture of skin and clothes, than a simple monochromatic model or wireframe of the same model. A wire frame model is a visual presentation of an electronic representation of a three dimensional or physical object used in 3D computer graphics. ... ... This article or section needs a complete rewrite for the reasons listed on the talk page. ...

Other effects, beyond texturing, can be done to 3D models to add to their realism. For example, the surface normals can be tweaked to effect how they are lit, certain surfaces can have bump mapping applied and any other number of 3D rendering tricks can be applied. A surface normal, or just normal to a flat surface is a three-dimensional vector which is perpendicular to that surface. ... A sphere without bump mapping. ... A 3D rendering with raytracing and ambient occlusion using Blender and Yafray 3D computer graphics are works of graphic art that were created with the aid of digital computers and specialized 3D software. ...

3D models are often animated for some uses. For example, 3D model are heavily animated for use in feature films and computer and video games. They can be animated from within the 3D modeler that created them or externally. Often extra data is added to the model to make it easier to animate. For example, some 3D models of humans and animals have entire bone systems so they will look realistic when they move and can be manipulated via joints and bones. Animation is the filming a sequence of drawings or positions of models to create an illusion of movement. ... Film is a term that encompasses motion pictures as individual projects, as well as the field in general. ... It has been suggested that Multiplayer Video Games be merged into this article or section. ...