For introductory-level courses in 3D Design and Concepts, Animation, Computer Graphics, Technical Illustration, Mechanical Design and Drafting, and Architectural Design and Drafting, in departments of Engineering, Architectural, Drafting, and Computer Graphic Arts. Ideal for both students who know just the basics about computers and CAD and for those who are experts in CAD but wish to add a new dimension, Autodesk VIZ Fundamentals blends theory and practical applications in a hands-on, lab- and exercise-intensive tutorial. It provides a basic introduction to computer animation, an overview of Autodesk VIZ, preparation for 3D modeling, 3D modeling, presentation, and practical applications that reflect today's animated world, (e.g., in films, advertisements, and gaming environments). This book will be of special interest to those who use AutoCAD. Many of the features in VIZ have been modeled after AutoCAD's interface, allowing for faster learning and application. An appendix explains the features and procedure to bring AutoCAD files into Autodesk VIZ.

Autodesk VIZ 4 is a powerful real-time 3D design, modeling, and animation tool from Autodesk, makers of AutoCAD. The follow-up to 3D Studio VIZ 3.0, VIZ 4 now incorporates a previously separate program called Lightscape. Key new features include powerful lighting functions such as radiosity and global illumination, as well as a dramatically upgraded interface. This comprehensive guide describes the full range of VIZ 4's new capabilities and shows architects, mechanical and civil engineers, planners, interior designers, and other design professionals how to create 3D models quickly and intuitively.

This text is designed as a hands-on supplement to classroom instruction. Major aspects of the software Autodesk VIZ, Release 4, are presented in step-by-step tutorials. These tutorials allow the reader to learn by doing. The procedures outlined in the text are reinforced by printed screen images. The text consists of 17 tutorials. At the end of each tutorial is a Self-Evaluation Test. This measuring device is used to check student progress and understanding of the software and 3D modeling concepts. Five projects are included at the end of the book. These projects are longer and more complex than the other tutorials.