Importing 3D model objects

Echoview allows you to import 3D model objects (.obj files and associated .mtl files) and add them to scenes.

Note: Not all features of .obj and .mtl files are supported. See Supported features of .obj and .mtl files.

It is assumed that the model is defined in an orthogonal cartesian coordinate system, with units of either meters or degrees based upon your choice of conversion and axis mapping during import. A scaling factor can be defined, and a reference point. The model will be placed as-is in (projected) 3d space, with the origin of the models' coordinate system positioned at the reference point. The model is not subject to projection.

Warning: Echoview assumes that all faces have vertices listed in clockwise order as seen by a viewer standing inside the object looking out towards the face (termed: clockwise winding). This is a standard form of object representation in 3D graphics. If this is not the case, some metrics will be calculated incorrectly, notably volumes may be negative if all faces are recorded with the opposite winding.

You have three options when importing 3D model objects:

Import type	Description	Restrictions
Convert to 3D regions	Imports each uniquely named group in an .obj file as a separate 3D region In the model file, two of the coordinates will be interpreted as degrees of latitude and longitude and one as altitude, based upon the axis mapping you choose when importing.	In early development stage: only useful if 3D objects are closed polyhedra only geometry (triangles and vertices) is read
Convert to surface	Imports triangulated irregular network (TIN) surfaces In the model file, two of the coordinates will be interpreted as degrees of latitude and longitude and one as altitude, based upon the axis mapping you choose when importing.	In early development stage, only geometry (triangles and vertices) is read
Link to model files	Imports the model maintaining the link with the obj file. In the model file, all coordinates will be interpreted as meters in one of the three orthogonal directions, based upon the axis mapping you choose when importing. Typical use: adding of visual cues to 3d scenes, for example a boat, or an abstract pointer or marker.	Core functionality implemented with the following restrictions: only .ppm format supported for textures model not added to EV file and the original files must continue to be available in the folder from which they were imported model settings cannot be changed after being imported objects cannot be exported as VRML files

To import a 3D model object into Echoview and add it to a scene:

On the File menu, click Import.
In the Files of type list, click 3D model formats.
Select the .obj file to import and click Open.
Complete Import 3D Model dialog box and click Import.
Add the imported 3D model object to a scene.

You cannot change the properties of imported 3D object models.

Importing 3D model objects

See also