Visualizing 3D Models - Autodesk AutoCAD 2013 Practical 3D Drafting and Design - page 34

Chapter 2. Visualizing 3D Models
A fundamental aspect in 3D is visualization. This includes not only zooming, panning,
and orbiting, but also returning to specific visualizations. We visualize the model as
wireframe, shaded, or other visual styles, walk inside the model and divide the draw-
ing area into viewports.
Topics covered in this chapter are as follows:
• How to view a 3D model from different angles
• How to save and restore particular views
• How to simulate cameras
• How to shade models and apply other visual styles
• How to navigate through a 3D model
• Dividing the drawing area into viewports
Zooming, panning, and orbiting
To correctly understand a 3D model, we need to view it from different angles, view it
closer, from the inside, and so on. When creating or selecting objects, setting a cor-
rect and unambiguous view is fundamental. We are not scaling or rotating the model,
just viewing it from a different perspective.
Zooming and panning
Zooming and panning are fundamental tools in AutoCAD and in 3D modeling.
Nowadays, we all use a wheel mouse or other advanced input devices with scroll
functionality. With a wheel mouse we can:
• Zoom in / zoom out : By rotating the wheel forward we zoom in and ob-
jects get closer; by rotating the wheel backward we zoom out and we see
more of our scene.
• Zoom extents : By double-clicking on the wheel quickly, we see the draw-
ing extents, that is, all the areas occupied by objects in the model get ex-
tented (including those areas that are visible when layers are turned off).
This is quite useful in 3D and large models. Often, after orbiting, objects
may disappear from the drawing area.