What is 3D modeling?3D modeling is the process of creating a digital object in a virtual space. Like sculpting, youre creating a three-dimensional digital representation of something, but instead of clay, you're using specialized software. In essence, its like sculpting with digital tools.Types of 3D modeling and its applicationsThere are several types of 3D modeling. Let's explore them below.Polygonal modelingPolygonal modeling involves building objects using polygons, which are flat shapes with three or more sides and hard edges. You can think of it like building something out of Legos. Each Lego brick is a polygon, and you put them together to create the overall shape. Polygonal modeling is particularly useful for visualizations, where large, detailed environments like architectural spaces need to be created quickly.NURBS modelingFor objects with smooth curves, like cars, handheld devices, or various mechanical parts, you would use NURBS modeling. NURBS (Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines) is a way of creating smooth-flowing surfaces using mathematical curves. To picture it better, just imagine bending a thin sheet of metal into any organic shape thats the power of NURBS.Subdivision surface modelingLike NURBS, subdivision surface modeling is often used to create smooth, organic shapes such as characters or vehicle bodies. The main difference is that subdivision surface smooths shapes by subdividing polygons for organic forms, while NURBS uses mathematical curves for precise, smooth surfaces in hard-surface designs.Digital sculptingFor modeling super realistic characters, or specialized architectural features such as detailed facades, or intricate ornamental designs, you would use digital sculpting. You use digital tools to shape and mold the virtual model, adding details like wrinkles and pores in a character, or use a V-Ray wood material to model scratches and wear in a wooden cabinet.BIMBuilding Information Modeling (BIM) is used in architecture, engineering, and construction. It focuses on creating a detailed, data-rich 3D model of a building or infrastructure project. It is especially useful for collaborative construction projects as it integrates data like materials, cost estimates, and project timelines, into the design.Procedural and Parametric ModelingProcedural and parametric modeling combine algorithms, rules, and parameters to generate objects and environments, rather than relying on manual creation. Procedural modeling is ideal for large-scale environments like cities or terrain, often used in game design and film production, while parametric modeling creates objects based on adjustable constraints, such as building height or gear radius, making it perfect for architecture and product design where flexibility and easy modifications are key.Volumetric modelingVolumetric modeling is used to create 3D models that represent volumes, such as smoke, fog, clouds, or liquids, and is commonly used in simulations and visual effects for movies and video games. Chaos Phoenix offers an easier, more dynamic approach than traditional modeling by simulating these effects in real-time, allowing for customizable and realistic results without pre-modeled assets.3D scanning3D scanning involves capturing real-world objects or environments using a 3D scanner, which creates a digital model based on the shape, size, and texture of the scanned object. This method is commonly used in industries like architecture, heritage preservation, and manufacturing for quickly creating accurate digital replicas of physical objects or spaces.Popular 3D modeling softwareFor animation and character designAutodesk Maya is known for its strengths in animation and character design, seamlessly integrating with V-Ray for cinematic visuals, while Cinema 4D is popular for motion graphics and 3D modeling, also integrating with V-Ray for detailed animation rendering.For architectural visualization and designAutodesk 3ds Max is a favorite for 3d modeling in architectural visualization and product design, heavily integrated with V-Ray for photorealistic images.SketchUp, widely used in architecture and interior design, supports both V-Ray and Enscape for intuitive, real-time, and photorealistic rendering.Revit, commonly used in architectural design and BIM (Building Information Modeling), is compatible with both Enscape and V-Ray for visualization, while Archicad and Vectorworks, also favored by architects, are supported by Enscape for real-time rendering and walkthroughs.Rhinoceros (Rhino) is ideal for industrial and architectural design, with V-Ray for detailed rendering and Enscape for real-time visualization.Archicad and Vectorwarks are useful for 2D and 3D drafting, parametric modelling, BIM and are both compatible with Enscape.