3D MODELING

In 3D computer graphics, 3D modeling is the process of developing a mathematical, wireframe representation of any three-dimensional object (either inanimate or living) via specialized software. The product is called a 3D model. It can be displayed as a two-dimensional image through a process called 3D rendering or used in a computer simulation of physical phenomena. The modeling process of preparing geometric data for 3D computer graphics is similar to plastic arts such as sculpting.
3D models (the product of modeling procedures) are often created with special software applications called 3D modelers when not describing the title of a professional who uses the software to produce 3D models. Being a collection of data (points and other information), 3D models can be created by hand, algorithmically (procedural modeling), or scanned. Though they most often exist virtually (on a computer or a file on disk), even a description of such a model on paper can be considered a 3D model.
Today, 3D models are used in a wide variety of fields. The medical industry uses detailed models of organs. The movie industry uses them as characters and objects for animated and real-life motion pictures. The video game industry uses them as assets for computer and video games. The science sector uses them as highly detailed models of chemical compounds. The architecture industry uses them to demonstrate proposed buildings and landscapes. The engineering community uses them as designs of new devices, vehicles and structures as well as a host of other uses. In recent decades the earth science community has started to construct 3D geological models as a standard practice.