I saw this post the other day from Autodesk. They have created a new plugin called “Project Helix” which will allow users of 3ds Max and 3ds Max Design to import Cloud Point Diagrams (.ptx files). Now this is interesting to me because it involves two programs and disciplines that I am very interested in but do not know how to use at all!
I have been attempting to learn 3ds Max for about a year. That program is pretty daunting and I keep putting it aside for too long. When I try to jump back in I have to learn all over again. Recently I have been going by Direct Dimensions in Owings Mills, MD. This a premiere laser scanning company that is at the top of the industry. They describe themselves: “Direct Dimensions, Inc. (DDI) provides unique solutions to complex modeling and manufacturing problems. We specialize in the on-site application of digitizers, laser scanners, and the conversion of complex three-dimensional data into 3D computer models.” I must say that with all the historical projects they do it is right up my alley.
I was there yesterday and I found that they have about Four Programs they use inside their workflow. Pointools, Solidworks, Z-Brush, it is a little scary. Their team is made up of mostly hungry 20 somethings who seem eager to put the time in the office. I am hoping that Plugins like this for 3ds Max will allow me to learn a workflow that can actually be in one program! This is unfortunately not reality. I am using only the lowest level of modeling in Sketchup. I still need Kerkythea and GIMP to give me any hope of having realistic models.
One promising thing that I did learn is that 3dx Max 2011 can directly import files from Sketchup. At the very least I can now skip the modeling portion in 3ds Max and jump directly into Rendering and Animation. This is a big step for me and I expect everyone will start seeing some high quality stuff in the near future.
