1 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Learning Objectives After completing this chapter, you will be able to: ✓ Describe how to locate points in 3D space. ✓ Describe the right-hand rule of 3D visualization. ✓ Explain the function of the ribbon. ✓ Identify the functions of the viewport controls and the view cube. ✓ Display 3D objects from preset isometric viewpoints. ✓ Display 3D objects from any desired viewpoint. ✓ Set a visual style current. Three-dimensional (3D) design and modeling is a powerful tool for use in design, visualization, testing, analysis, manufacturing, assembly, and marketing. Three- dimensional models also form the basis of computer animations, architectural walk- throughs, parametric models used in building information modeling (BIM), and virtual worlds used in the entertainment industry and for gaming platforms. Drafters who can design objects, buildings, and “worlds” in 3D are in demand for a wide variety of positions, both inside and outside of the traditional drafting and design disciplines. The fi rst 15 chapters of this book present a variety of modeling techniques for drawing and designing in 3D. In these chapters, you will learn how to construct solid models, surface models, and mesh models, and work with point clouds. The skills you learn will provide you with the ability to construct any object in 3D and prepare you for entry into an exciting aspect of graphic communication. To be effective in creating and using 3D objects, you must fi rst have good 3D visu- alization skills. These skills include the ability to see an object in three dimensions and to visualize it rotating in space. Visualization skills can be obtained by using 3D techniques to construct objects and by trying to see two-dimensional sketches and drawings as 3D models. This chapter provides an introduction to several aspects of 3D drawing and visualization. Subsequent chapters expand on these aspects and provide a detailed examination of 3D drawing, editing, visualization, and display techniques. Using Rectangular 3D Coordinates Using Rectangular 3D Coordinates In two-dimensional drawing, you see one plane defi ned by two dimensions. These dimensions are usually located on the X and Y axes and what you see is the XY Introduction to Three-Dimensional Modeling CHAPTER 1 1