3D modeling becoming more user friendly for all skill levels.
3D modeling technology has become significantly more sophisticated of late, enabling architecture, engineering and construction professionals to gain new benefits. However, this software is now more user friendly to allow everyday consumers to use it for their own creations. This development has opened up a new realm of possibility and is allowing users of all skill levels to contribute like never before. As the modeling market continues to expand, users will have more opportunities to leverage 3D technology for advanced projects and more accurate results.
The market for 3D technologies is growing at a rapid pace due to the wide variety of processes that can be carried out with it. According to MarketsandMarkets, the 3D mapping and modeling sector is expected to grow at an annual rate of 47.9 percent over the next four years to reach $7.7 billion by 2018. While North America is the largest segment set to experience increases, 3D modeling technology is increasing its hold on other parts of the world as well, showing just how versatile and essential these programs are becoming to various aspects of society. The market for this in the Asia-Pacific region, for example, is predicted to expand by more than 66 percent from 2013 to 2018. The main driver behind the rapid flux is the use of 3D technology in mobile devices, applications, GPS and other acquisition devices, which have largely been unexplored until this point in time.
“The improvised 3D experience on smartphones, tablets, notebooks, PCs, cars, etc. is set to revolutionize the mobile device market and other GPS-enabled device market by broadening the horizons for the users to locate things easily using any device,” the report stated.
Broadening the use of 3D modeling
The overt consumerization of advanced technologies is beginning to be more apparent as more everyday individuals are able to use related software and hardware for their own ideas. For example, Apple recently received a patent for a 3D modeling concept that would allow users to generate a three-dimensional model by using their mobile devices to record the environment, according to the Wall St. Cheat Sheet. The images and video would allow recorded data to be pieced together into a comprehensive model of the object, which would allow Apple to create street-level 3D mapping through crowdsourced data. This concept could also map out sports games, concerts and other public events, while also being used in interactive video games. While these abilities have yet to be seen on their devices, the technology is available and is certainly on the horizon for Apple and others to experiment with in the next step toward user engagement.
Modeling advancing in business processes
The consumer space isn’t the only area that is seeing a significant pickup in 3D capabilities. The AEC sector has also come to rely on CAD and other modeling programs for the success of their projects and presentations. Electronics News noted that there were once significant barriers to entry including a price point that ranged from $5,000 to $30,000 per license with annual expensive maintenance fees. This was unfeasible for many businesses and was far out of the reach of consumers. However, direct modeling and 3D architecture software have become far more accessible, with a variety of solutions to choose from and a wide range of tools that have emerged. These features help organizations create a more accurate representation of their intended structure and provides a better overview of the building’s characteristics.
3D modeling has become more feasible for consumers and builders of all skill levels to create structures that have never been seen before. Zebra Imaging can turn these images into 3D holograms that will help transcend expectations.