3D Modelling Info

This blog post is intended to provide some information and resources links for 3D computer modelling tools and development and delivery platforms to combine models to create virtual worlds and make these available to multiple simultaneous users.

3D Modellers

There are many such modellers, some licenced and some open source. A few are:

  • Blender – an open source modeler with a variety fo ways to import and export a range of 3D model types.
  • Sketchup – Sketchup models are scenes comprised of Collada (.dae) content. But exporters can create other 3D model formats.
  • Autodesk 3D Studio Max – a commercial licensed 3D modeller.

World and Scene Development Platforms

Multi-user Delivery Platforms

Multi-aspect Virtual World Environments

Some platforms provide several of the above aspects.

  • OpenSimulator – provides a way to do modelling within the tool as well as importing Collada (.dae) mesh objects, combine them into scenes or regions and deliver these to multiple users via a viewer.
  • Second Life – provides a way to do modelling within the tool as well as importing Collada (.dae) mesh objects, combine them into scenes or regions and deliver these to multiple users via a viewer.
  • High Fidelity – A platform which allows scenes to be created using prebuilt meshes in limited formats, do simple editing of the scene and publish those scenes for others to visit.
  • Sansar – A platform which allows scenes to be created using prebuilt meshes in limited formats, do simple editing of the scene and publish those scenes for others to visit
  • Sinespace – A platform which allows scenes built in Unity to be embedded in a multi-user virtual world delivery platform, along with some basic in world content modification tools.

3D Model Exchange Formats

3D model formats are used to store 3D model data in a form that can be imported or exported from the various tools or platforms. Some are more widely supported and used than others. many are proprietary. A few are open source.

  • .obj
  • .3ds
  • .dae (open source)
  • .fbx
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