Good morning, afternoon, evening...where ever in the universe you may be!

 

Was just curious if a CAD model can be converted and used in GTAIV?  

 

Also, I'm very proficient in CAD 2011, that being said, is zModeler the same sort of user interface, functionality and mechanics as AutoCaD?  In other words, would one that is proficient in CAD be able to jump into zModeler  and be able to create the models similarly as using AutoCAD?  Hope that makes sense.

 

Thanks for your help.

 

Good day,

DrDetroit

 

 

 

 

 

 

No, Zmodeler is completely different than things like AutoCAD and Inventor and other CAD software. The difference is sort of like vector (CAD) vs. bitmap (Zmodeler/3ds max/etc.) pictures. CAD software creates models with dimensions in real-world units, and the model in the software is treated as sort of a representation of an idealized model. That's how you get things like constraints and parametric modeling. The biggest way you can tell this is that you don't, in the end, care about the model in CAD format; you care about an actual physical thing that is being made to the specs of the CAD, and all the CAD model is for is to produce 2D drawings, or CNC code for a machine shop, or a designer saying "yes, that works" or "no, that doesn't".

Zmodeler and 3ds max are intended to make 3D models that are useful in their own right, because you'll make a video or game or something like that out of them. In Zmodeler and 3ds max, you care about how many polys are being used in your cylinder; in real CAD, you just say "here's a cylinder", the software displays that with as many or as few polygons as it wants, and you don't worry about it. As far as I know, there's no concept of parametric modeling in Zmodeler and 3ds max.

Ahhh...I see the difference and makes total sense.  Excellent explanation by the way, thank you.  I see what you mean; CADs purpose is making parts that fit other parts in real world dimensions and precision so they can be machined/constructed, and Zmodeler is about modeling with polygons to create as accurate a representation of the model as possible without respect to actual dimensions used to machine a part or parts (CAD).

 

Thanks again, I'm going to start learning Zmodeler this summer.

 

DrDetroit

Edited May 14, 201312 yr by drdetroit