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.

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

This volume covers the latest drafting tools of AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT.

The new edition of this hands-on guide helps users of all skill levels learn the basics of AutoCAD 2009 and AutoCAD LT 2009 easily and efficiently. Bestselling AutoCAD author and expert George Omura offers clear explanations, a task-based approach, and pages of real-world examples and exercises to make this thorough book more valuable and useful than ever. Whether you're new to AutoCAD or just looking for a quick refresher, you'll find the fast, focused introduction to AutoCAD you need to get quickly up to speed. For Instructors: Teaching supplements are available for this title.

* Shows beginning users how to create an exciting animation their very first day with 3ds max, the world's most popular animation modeling and rendering software for film, television, games, and design visualization * 3ds max is used to create high-profile animations for feature films such as X-Men 2, Minority Report, and Tomb Raider, and in the creation of popular games such as Dungeon Siege, Spiderman, Command and Conquer: Renegade, and Grand Theft Auto * More than 150 tutorials give readers valuable hands-on experience under the expert guidance of 3ds max master Kelly Murdock * A valuable CD-ROM will include a demo version of the new 3ds max release, tutorial files, 3D models, bonus plug-ins, and more * A sixteen-page, full-color insert shows how contributing artists are taking max to the next level