Turn Your Ideas Into High-Impact 3D Models and Animations Transform flat drawings and concepts into impressive 3D visualizations that will amaze your clients with the comprehensive instruction you'll find in Mastering Autodesk VIZ 2007. Written by VIZ experts, this book shows you how to get the most out of the latest version of Autodesk's powerful 3D design, modeling, and animation tool with an in-depth, tutorial-based approach grounded in real-world examples. This new edition has been fully updated and revised to cover all of Autodesk VIZ 2007's new features--asset tracking, revamped Xrefs, an updated interface, and the improved rendering and editing tools--and it's packed with professional techniques you can apply immediately to your own work for striking results. Whether you're new to VIZ or simply want to master the latest features, this book offers the clear explanations and step-by-step instructions you need to create, animate, and render realistic architectural visualizations with VIZ 2007. Coverage includes: * Creating complex shapes with surface modeling tools * Using, organizing, and editing objects and meshes * Efficiently managing design data * Adding natural lighting effects * Staging a virtual walk-through of your room designs for clients * Applying radiosity to create lifelike views * Employing mental ray to achieve high-res rendering * Using AutoCAD and Photoshop(r) with VIZ * Exporting content to the Web Featured on the CD You'll find a trial version of VIZ 2007 plus project files for all of the book's exercises. Master VIZ 2007's great new features, including asset tracking, scene states, new modeling and texturing enhancements, batch rendering, and improved interoperability with other Autodesk products. Create 3D models quickly and intuitively using the new edit poly tools and Sweep modifier. Work effectively with lights, materials, and cameras. Animate your models and create interactive views. George Omura was cited as favorite CAD author by members of the Autodesk User Group International (AUGI) in AUGIWorld magazine's "Best of Everything CAD" issue, November/December 2003. www.sybex.com

In Mastering Autodesk VIZ 2008, VIZ expert Jon McFarland teaches you how to get the most out of Autodesk's potent 3D modeling, animation, and rendering software. As you follow real-world examples, you'll quickly see how to apply these techniques to your design projects. Whether you're entirely new to VIZ or simply want to master its newest features, this book offers the clear explanations and step-by-step instruction you need to make VIZ work for you. Coverage includes: Finding your way around in VIZ Linking to AutoCAD files Modeling using primitive and compound objects Editing using modifers and sub-objects Creating complex shapes with surface modeling tools Managing your design data more efficiently Simulating lighting effects accurately with global illumination Rendering real-world surfaces with Architectural material Setting up animated walk-throughs Using radiosity to create accurate scene lighting Using mental ray to achieve the most realistic rendering Producing design presentation views Understanding keyframes and function curve editing Acquiring 3D models and props from the Web

For intermediate/advanced-level courses in 3D Design and Concepts, Technical Illustration, Mechanical Design and Drafting, Architectural Design and Drafting, Animation, and Computer Graphics in departments of Engineering, Architecture, Drafting, and Computer Graphic Arts. Designed to provide students with the skills and practical applications necessary to use VIZ for those who are familiar with AutoCAD. Autodesk VIZ 2008 Fundamentals is the next book in the Instant AutoCAD series and continues with the tradition of delivering technical information in a quick and easy format. With integrated Hands-On sessions to illustrate basic concepts and lots of questions, texts and exercises, it will offer a look at VIZ, the 3D modeling and animation program for Autodesk. This book begins with an overview of VIZ and how it relates to AutoCAD thereby ensuring an increased learning speed. It then moves onto viewing, creating, and editing, special modeling including walls, doors, and windows. The book is completed with the creation and application of materials and the generation of animations.