provide mesh libraries of mapped and unmapped 3D models in a variety of
different formats and resolutions (see Figure 4.26).
3 D G
R A P H I C S
& A
N I M A T I O N
194
F
IGURE
4.26
The classic `57 Chevy
model from Viewpoint is a
good example of the high-
quality models available
from mesh libraries. This is
actually a sample mesh
that was distributed with
3D Studio R4 (DOS).
The objects cost hundreds or thousands of dollars each, but in a pinch, or in
a situation where a complex and accurate organic model is needed (such as
realistic people or animals), they can be a very practical alternative. On top
of the price tag, there are some other caveats to be aware of: First, unmapped
objects may require quite a bit of work to map properly, because you may
have to break them down into small elements to apply mapping coordinates.
Second, objects with lots of individual pieces also may not be labeled prop-
erly, making it difficult to select the objects you want from a list.
Although most of the models sold by these companies are created using either
3D scanners or digitizers, some may be scratch-built objects that they buy from
modelers. In fact, you may want to consider offering mesh to one of these com-
panies if it's of a general interest nature (and you've retained the rights to it after
producing the product or animation for which it was originally intended).
If the mesh library doesn't offer exactly what you want, consider using
what's available as a starting point and adding modifications to it. We ran
into this situation on Zork:Nemesis, because six or seven suits of armor were
needed for one of the puzzles. Because the budget was too restrictive to
model them all from scratch, we got a basic medieval suit of armor from
Viewpoint, mapped it, then applied or removed pieces of mesh to make
them more reminiscent of other eras. Although the results certainly weren't
historically accurate by any means, they did do the trick (see Figure 4.27).
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