Need help converting 2d into 3d.

[flatlander4510]

I need to learn how to take 2d floorplans and elevations and turn them into a 3D object so I can import into VIZ. I am totally new to autoCAD. I have been playing around with using extrude as that seems to be what most people do around here. Can anyone recommend some good tutorials or books on this?

[Island J]

You can create the 2d lines in autcocad and link them in viz and make the 3d model in viz. That way if the floor plan chages you can reload the link of the floor plan in viz and change the model. When you learn a little bit about modeling in acad as opposed to viz you should see which one you feel more comfortable in. But do you really want to learn 2d and 3d separately? the industry is slowly but surely going away from that.

 

Since you are new to autocad i would suggest a few things.

Learn a BIM (Building Information Modeling) package instead. Revit or ArchiCAD or someothers. In autocad you will spend time making 2d lines circles and arcs, then have to go over it with solids, 3dfaces, meshes and regions to make it into 3d, then union, subtract and extude those objects to get what you want in 3d. If you have different levels you have to copy and or xref to do the same types of operations to get your model.

The time you spend doing all of that you would have 2d and 3d at the same time in one file in less time using a package like revit. The 3d model can then be linked to viz there you apply textures, lights and hit render. Easy as pie.

I am an advanced autocad user, 10 years or so. And my opinion is it has had its day. I still use it because I am so accustom and very fast with it. But in the ten years they have not really added any new features to make the process easier.

If I were starting out today and and absolutely had to choose a basic 3d modeling software I would go with sketchUp.

The other thing is I have never seen a really good book or tutorial on making a really tight 3d model in Acad.

Hope my advice helps.

[vizwhiz]

hi There Harrison

 

everything you need To Turn 2d into 3d using autocad is already at your fingertips

 

you can use The modelspace floor plans as is, or use an xref setup

you can make blocks out of The elevations and rotate by 90 degrees

 

To establish vertical control for cutting, adding, slicing of walls, door & windows

 

(well, definately not This week) if you want To send a sample

of what you are Trying To accomplish i can show what i know

 

if you need a small Tutorial on This, Then pls

Private messenger me i will get back To you

 

if you cant find a book on 3d autocad solids modeling

Then maybe i will consider writing a book on how To do just That

 

so far i have about 35,000 hours using autocad 10,000 or so 3d

it is not how many hours of experience you have, but what you

 

have learned That really counts

 

i already have a website (not loaded) called www.2dcd2b3d.com

 

others will have other ideas, i do Things differently

 

Thanks

 

randy

[flatlander4510]

Thanks for your advice guys. Randy, I just added you to my MSN list and I look forward to talking to you more about this.