Chapter 1
Exploring 3D Design
IN THIS CHAPTER
Discovering basic concepts of 3D design
Understanding 3D models
Looking at the 3D modeling process
Comparing 3D and 2D methods
In this chapter, you discover all things 3D so that you can understand the basic terminology and concepts of the 3D universe before you go rushing off to the world of Tinkercad.
What Is 3D Modeling?
3D is the abbreviation for 3-dimensional. In the world of Computer Aided Design (CAD), 3D modeling (also known as three-dimensional modeling) is the process or workflow of developing a computer-based (mathematical) model of any surface of an object, regardless of whether it’s inanimate (such as a gear wheel) or living (such as an animal or a human being).
3D modeling is done in three dimensions via specialized software and, in your case, Tinkercad. The end product is normally called a 3D model. Someone who works with 3D models may often be referred to as a 3D artist.
The 3D model has the advantage that it can be displayed on the computer screen as a two-dimensional image through a process called 3D rendering. For example, ...
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