* AutoCAD 2007 features a new 3D rendering engine that greatly enhances the program’s 3D functionality-and makes this industry-standard drafting program even more difficult to master, even for veteran users

* This focused For Dummies workbook gives people the practice they need to get up to speed on the new 3D features, with dozens of problems and step-by-step solutions for modeling, shadowing, and lighting
* Topics covered by the problems include 2D geometric construction, 3D solid modeling, 3D surface modeling, rendering and imaging, dimensioning and drafting, and model interchange
* Used by architects, engineers, and draftspeople, AutoCAD is the #1 computer-aided design (CAD) software in the world, with an installed base of 6.7 million users

Considerably easier to use than other 3D software, Google SketchUp has found a niche in architecture, landscaping, real estate development, furniture building, and other design professions
The fun and friendly approach assumes no previous 3D modeling experience and explains the basic concepts involved in 3D modeling.

Shows readers how to build a 3D model, print it, share it, export it to another professional design package, export it to Google Earth, and create a 3D animated tour.

Helps readers harness the power of Google SketchUp so that they can populate Google Earth with 3D buildings, monuments, and other sculptures.

With detailed examples, high-quality professional images, and a touch of humor, this is the fully revised and updated second edition of Jason Osipa’s best-selling book on facial animation. You’ll learn the basics of design, modeling, rigging, and animation-while mastering exciting new techniques for stretch-and-squash deformation, advanced blend extraction, and the latest software tools. Walk through the author’s detailed analysis of sample animations and discover how to add nuance and sophistication to your designs.

Full of insights drawn from years of professional experience, this book provides the focused and practical information you need to create believable facial animations.

Improve Planning and Management on Any Construction Project with Powerful BIM Tools

Building information modeling (BIM) integrates 3D drawings and 4D animations to dramatically improve the communication, coordination, and planning of construction projects, while reducing risks, errors, and costs. Building Information Modeling is an in-depth resource that shows architects and building professionals how to capitalize on BIM concepts, tools, and techniques for their own building projects.

• An in-depth explanation of BIM concepts, tools, and techniques
• Guidance on applying BIM to new and retrofit construction projects
• More than 200 photos, charts, diagrams, and details of the BIM process
• Detailed case studies

One look and you'll see that this 3ds Max book is different from all the others. It presents the core 3ds Max features in pages packed with striking graphics that perfectly illustrate the concepts. Each page is loaded with detailed explanations on crucial components, such as the 3ds Max interface, modeling and animation tools, rendering settings, and more. Engaging step-by-step lessons and tasks provide hands-on reinforcement as you learn. Create textures, learn rigging, bring biped characters to life—even create hair with this beautiful, full-color guide.

This book will show you how to create realistic architectural models in Blender. Blender is an open-source 3D animation program released as free software. It can be used for modeling, texturing, skinning, animating, and so on. It runs on all the important operating systems (including Windows, Mac, and Linux).

You can create natural scenery, landscapes, plants, various weather conditions, environmental factors, building materials such as wood, metal, brick, and more. You will also learn how to add people to different scenes as well as other objects to an already existing photograph or a video making it easier to increase its realism.

You will see how to use the final models to create simpler scenes for use in 3D games, where real-time rendering is necessary. You will also see how to use them to create the sets for animated movies.

If you're involved in any way with the design and manufacturing industry, you've probably had to work with AutoCAD drawings. But not everyone needs to be an expert at AutoCAD - many users really need to know only a few of its vast array of tools. If you're someone who doesn't need to or want to be an AutoCAD power user but wants to be able to use AutoCAD proficiently, this book is for you. Introducing AutoCAD 2009 and AutoCAD LT 2009 covers the basic drawing and editing tools that most users will need to produce quality AutoCAD drawings. You won't find information about every last feature. Instead, this book presents AutoCAD's essential features through a combination of tutorials and reference material to give you a concise, easy-to-use companion for your work with AutoCAD. It's designed so that you can quickly learn the tools you need…when you need them.

The Windows Presentation Foundation is a key component of .NET Framework 3.0, which is a part of Windows Vista and available for Windows XP. With the Windows Presentation Foundation, 3D images can be displayed regardless of the video-display hardware on the users machine. Focusing on developing user interface objects or simple animations, this book builds on a readers knowledge of Windows Presentation Foundation essentials to demonstrate how to effectively create 3D graphics for Windows. You get the fundamental information for using the Windows Presentation Foundation 3D application programming interface (API), as well as in-depth coverage of mesh geometries.

If you need a high-end 3D graphics software package for 3D effects, animation, cinematics, or game graphics, check out Maya! Maya is widely used by visual effects and animation studios, and is growing increasingly popular with game developers. This Virtual Training Company tutorial introduces you to Maya's groundbreaking tools and features. Co-authors Chuck Grieb and Roger Dickes begin showing you the tool sets and helping you to understand the structure and organization of Maya. They will introduce you to the modeling, lighting, animation, and dynamic tools available in Maya. You will learn exciting features such as adding texture, digital sculpture, and much more. To get started, just click one of the movie topics below.

Welcome to the exciting world of 3D graphics creation with DirectX 9! "Beginning DirectX® 9" is your introductory guide to creating realistic virtual worlds and characters for games. This true beginner's guide offers easy-to-follow instructions for getting your first DirectX program up and running. Then it's on to 3D concepts and Direct3D® as you use DirectX 9 to begin designing and building your own 3D worlds. Expand your DirectX knowledge with an introduction to sound processing with DirectSound® and user input with DirectInput®. Wrap things up as you complete a comprehensive project that shows you how to apply each new concept. Bring amazing fantasy worlds to life with the power of DirectX 9!