Kemper Smith (kemper@architosh.com)

09 Aug 2004

 

SIGGRAPH 2004 Report: State of 3D on the Macintosh

Page 4

SketchUp 4.0 - @Last Software
(released on Mac OS X in July, 2002)

Overview:
SketchUp is another unique 3D application that is specifically marketed towards architects. It is a very easy-to-use conceptual modeling application that has a surprising amount of versatitly. Its ease of use, realtime shadows, and hand rendered effects make it an ideal solution for architects. SketchUp is a native OS X Cocoa application that takes advantage of the built-in interface and graphic features of the operating system.

Notable Features:

• Surface modeling
• Patented Push/Pull tool for extremely easy model building
• Sketch-like realtime rendering
• Realtime shadow animation
• Dynamic model presentation tools
• Advanced texture editing
• Cut real time sections
• Dimensioning
• Ruby scripting capabilities

Related Architosh Articles:
SketchUp 3 for Mac OS X Product Review
Macworld Expo: @Last Software Announces new SketchUp 4.0 - Detail Report

Vue d'Esprit 4 and Vue Professional - e-on Software (released for Mac OS X in May, 2001 and September, 2003 respectively)

Overview:
Vue d'Esprit and Vue Professional are 3D landscape modeling and animation applications that cater to the same market as Bryce 3D. Vue's creation of terrain, atmospheres, and random vegetation provide a quick way to build digital environments for architectural renderings. After introducing Vue d'Esprit on the Mac a few years ago, e-on Software went further and developed a professional version for both the Mac and PC which added advanced vegetation editing, animated wind effects, and support for a variety of complementary software.

Notable Vue d' Esprit Features:

• Solid Modeling
• SolidGrowth random vegetation generation
• Terrain Editor
• Stars, planets, rainbows
• Preset atmospheres and atmosphere editor
• Ray-traced rendering
• Multiple processor rendering
• Animation of objects, materials, atmospheres, clouds, waves

Notable Vue Professional only Features:

• Synchronization with major 3D applications
• Advanced compositing options
• Python scripting capabilities
• Multiple Undo/Redo
• Optimized for G5
• Advanced animation effects such as wind, vibration
• Advanced network rendering

Related Architosh Articles:
Vue d'Esprit 4 for Mac OS X
Paris Expo: E-On Software releases Vue 4 Professional

List of Mac and Architecture related exhibitors at SIGGRAPH 2004:

• @Last Software, Inc. (SketchUp)
• Adobe Systems Inc. (Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, etc.)
• Alias (Maya Complete, Maya Unlimted, Maya Personal Learning Edition, Sketchbook Pro)
• Apple Computer
• Archvision (RPC Content and 3D media)
• Auto.des.sys, Inc (Form Z)
• Curious Labs Incorporated (Poser, Shade)
• DAZ Productions, Inc (DAZ|Bryce, DAZ|Studio, and DAZ|Mimic)
• Digimation, Inc (3D model content provider and plug-in developer)
• Discreet (3D Studio Max, Cleaner, Combustion)
• Hewlett-Packard Company
• Kaydara, Inc. (MOTIONBUILDER)
• LightWork Design Ltd. (LightWorks)
• MAXON Computer Inc. (Cinema 4d, BodyPaint 3D)
• NewTek, Inc. (LightWave 3D)
• Pixar Animation Studios (Renderman)
• Pixologic, Inc. (ZBrush)
• Wacom Technology Co. (Intuos2 pen tablet, Cintiq pen input display)

Architosh will have a couple of representatives covering SIGGRAPH 2004 in Los Angeles and will provide reports and photos from the convention in the coming days. Because of Apple's high profile attendance of this year's SIGGRAPH and the variety of Macintosh related content at the show, the respect of the Mac platform in the 3D world will continue to accelerate.

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