I have sent a lot of 3D visualization projects, and you are most interested in what technology stacks are used, this article and the inventory are presented, and focus on explaining the knowledge of modeling and rendering, as well as the commonly used JS library, and there is a more detailed review of the past at the end of the article.A 3D visualization project is the use of 3D technology and tools to visualize data, scenes, or concepts for better understanding and analysis. These projects typically involve the use of 3D modeling, rendering, and animation techniques to transform data or concepts into visual scenes or objects with depth and realism.10 experienced front-end development and UI design veteran drivers at Berg Front-end Workshop, to share with you.
In a 3D visualization project, various data sources such as geospatial data, scientific data, engineering data, financial data, etc., can be used and transformed into 3D models or scenes. This data can be static or dynamic and can be explored and analyzed interactively.
3D visualization projects can be applied in a variety of fields, such as geographic information systems (GIS), medicine, engineering, game development, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR). They can be used to visualize the earth's surface, analyze molecular structure, simulate physical processes, demonstrate product designs, and more.
With 3D visualization projects, people can more intuitively understand and interpret complex data and concepts, discover potential patterns and associations, and conduct deeper analysis and decision-making. These programs can help people better communicate and convey information, and improve awareness and problem-solving skills for complex problems.
The technology stack involved in a 3D visualization project mainly includes the following aspects:
3D modeling and rendering
Use professional modeling software (such as Blender, Maya) for modeling and design of 3D objects, and use rendering engines (such as Unity and Unreal Engine) for realistic rendering and the realization of light and shadow effects.
Programming languages
Commonly used programming languages include C++, C, Python, etc. C++ and C are commonly used for game engine development and performance optimization, and Python is commonly used for data processing and algorithm development.
Graphical programming library
Use graphics programming libraries (e.g., OpenGL, DirectX) for graphics rendering and graphics acceleration. These libraries provide rich graphics drawing and rendering capabilities to achieve complex 3D effects.
Data visualization library
Use a data visualization library such as D3js、three.js) for visual display of data. These libraries provide rich charting and graphing capabilities to display data in 3D.
Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) technologies
Using VR and AR technology, 3D scenes can be interacted and blended with the real world. Commonly used VR and AR development platforms include Unity, Unreal Engine, ARKit, Arcore, and more.
Data processing and algorithms
For large-scale datasets or complex algorithmic calculations, data processing and algorithm libraries (such as numpy, pandas, scikit-learn) may be required for data processing and analysis.
Network communication and databases
If you need to interact with or store data with a remote server, you may need to use a network communication library such as socketio, websocket) and databases (such as MySQL and MongoDB) for data transmission and storage.
User interface design
User interface design is also an important aspect for 3D visualization projects. User interface design tools (e.g., Adobe XD, Sketch) can be used for interface design, and front-end development techniques (e.g., HTML, CSS, J**Ascript) can be used for interface implementation and interaction.
The above are the commonly used technology stacks in 3D visualization projects, and the specific technology choice can be decided according to the project needs and the technology stack preferences of the development team.
Modeling and rendering are two important steps in a 3D visualization project.
Modeling:Modeling refers to the process of creating a three-dimensional object or scene using professional modeling software (e.g., Blender, Maya). Through modeling, real-world objects or concepts can be transformed into 3D models that computers can understand and process. Modelers use the tools and techniques found in modeling software to create complex 3D models by creating, editing, and combining basic geometry (e.g., cubes, spheres, cylinders) or by using advanced modeling techniques (e.g., surface modeling, subdivision surface modeling). Attributes such as textures, materials, and colors can also be added during modeling to add realism and visual impact to the model.
Render:Rendering refers to the process of processing the modeled 3D model with lighting, shadows, materials, etc., to generate the final image or animation. Rendering engines (e.g., Unity, Unreal Engine) transform 3D models into 2D images by simulating physical principles such as light propagation and reflection. During rendering, you can set parameters such as the type and position of the light source, the properties of the material, the camera's perspective, and so on to adjust the lighting and visual effects of the scene. The rendering engine can also support both real-time and offline rendering. Real-time rendering enables real-time display of 3D scenes in interactive applications, while offline rendering enables high-quality rendering in the background to generate static or dynamic images or animations.
Modeling and rendering are crucial steps in a 3D visualization project through which real-world objects or concepts can be transformed into visualizations in the computer and rendered to make them realistic and visual. These steps require specialized modeling software and rendering engines, as well as the skills and experience of modelers and renderers.
In short: I want to control, move, and interact with a model, but only if there is a model file, and the state before and after the action.
In 3D visualization projects, there are several types of modeling software commonly used:
blender：Blender is a powerful, free and open-source modeling software that supports a variety of modeling techniques, including polygonal modeling, surface modeling, and subdivision surface modeling. It also offers a wealth of modeling tools and features to create complex 3D models.
autodesk maya:maya is a professional modeling software that is widely used in the film, animation, and game industries. It provides a rich set of modeling tools and features that support a variety of modeling techniques, such as polygonal modeling, surface modeling, and subdivision surface modeling. Maya also has powerful animation and rendering features.
autodesk 3ds max: 3ds Max is a professional modeling and rendering software commonly used in the film, television, and games industries. It provides a rich set of modeling tools and features that support a variety of modeling techniques, such as polygonal modeling, surface modeling, and subdivision surface modeling. 3ds Max also has powerful rendering and animation capabilities.
zbrush:zbrush is a professional digital sculpting software that is mainly used to create high-detail models. It offers a range of brush tools and sculpting features to add detail and texture to your model. ZBrush also supports polygonal modeling and surface modeling.
sketchup：SketchUp is an easy-to-use modeling software for rapid modeling and design. It offers an intuitive user interface and simplified modeling tools that are suitable for beginners and non-professionals to use. SketchUp is mainly used in fields such as architecture and interior design.
These modeling software all have different features and functions, and you can choose the right modeling software to use according to your project needs and personal preferences.
The rendering engine of 3D visualization refers to a software tool used to process 3D models with lighting, shadows, materials, etc., and finally generate realism and visual effects. The rendering engine simulates physical principles such as the propagation and reflection of light, turning a 3D model into a 2D image or animation.
Important: The rendering that the front-end engineer said is different from the traditional rendering, which is to produce renderings or animations.
The front-end rendering is to do various interactive actions on the model, such as zooming in and out, rotating and dragging, panoramic roaming, light and shadow changes, state changes, etc., which are realized by driving the model.
Unity and UE below do just that, and for desktop 3D visualization projects.
Common 3D visualization rendering engines include:
unity：Unity is a widely used real-time rendering engine, primarily used for game development and interactive applications. It supports real-time rendering, which can display 3D scenes in real-time at runtime, and provides rich lighting and material effects.
unreal engine：Unreal Engine is a powerful real-time rendering engine that is widely used in game development and virtual reality applications. It supports real-time rendering with high-quality graphics and realism, and offers rich lighting and material capabilities.
blender：In addition to being a modeling software, Blender also functions as a rendering engine. It has a built-in cycles rendering engine that supports physically based rendering and can produce high-quality images and animations.
arnoldArnold is a professional offline rendering engine that is commonly used in film and animation production. It has high-quality rendering and realism, and supports complex lighting and material effects.
v-rayV-Ray is a widely used offline rendering engine for a variety of fields, including film, architecture, and product design. It provides high-quality rendering and realism, and supports complex lighting and material effects.
What 345 is talking about is traditional rendering.
Each of these rendering engines has different features and capabilities, and you can choose the right one to use according to your project needs and personal preferences.
On the web side, there are a few popular 3D visualization rendering engines that you can use, as follows:
three.js：three.JS is an open-source 3D rendering engine based on J**Ascript for creating interactive 3D scenes and animations in a web browser. It offers a rich set of features and an easy-to-use API that supports a wide range of rendering effects and materials.
babylon.js：babylon.JS is an open-source 3D rendering engine based on J**Ascript for creating high-performance 3D scenes in web browsers. It has powerful rendering features and a physics engine that supports a wide range of rendering effects and materials.
A-Frame: A-Frame is a web-based virtual reality framework that uses the HTML language to create 3D and virtual reality scenes. It is based on threeJS and provides simplified component and entity definitions to make it easier to create web VR experiences.
playcanvas:p LayCanvas is a web-based game engine for creating high-performance 3D games and applications. It has powerful rendering capabilities and a physics engine, supports a wide range of rendering effects and materials, and provides the ability to collaborate and deploy.
verge3d：Verge3D is a web-based visual development tool for creating interactive 3D and AR VR applications. It provides a visual editor and a J**Ascript API, supports a wide range of rendering effects and materials, and integrates with a physics engine and animation system.
cesiumCesium is a web-based geographic information system (GIS) engine for creating high-performance earth and geospatial visualization applications. It supports rendering and interaction of the earth's surface and provides rich geographic data and effects.
pixi.js：pixi.JS is a web-based 2D rendering engine for creating high-performance 2D games and applications. It has powerful rendering features and animation systems that support a wide range of rendering effects and sprite animations.
unity webgl: Unity WebGL is the WebGL version of the Unity engine that is used to run Unity games and applications in a web browser. It supports all of Unity's features and effects and provides high-performance 3D rendering.
react 3dReact 3D is a 3D rendering library based on the React framework for creating 3D scenes and animations in web applications. It provides React components and hooks that allow developers to develop visually in 3D using React's development model.
vtk.js：vtk.JS is a web-based data visualization toolkit for creating high-performance scientific and engineering visualization applications. It is based on the VTK (Visualization Toolkit) and renders using WebGL to support a variety of datasets and visualizations.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of each JS library, you can search for it yourself.