3D Modeling VS 3D Rendering: What’s the Difference?

3D Modeling VS 3D Rendering: What’s the Difference?

First off, let’s be clear: 3D Modeling and 3D Rendering isn’t one and the same.

To people working in industries such as graphic designing, architecture, engineering, real estate, and others, the terms 3D modelling and 3D rendering are terms they use often and their distinctions are clearly understood. However, laypeople—including your potential customers—may think they are synonymous or even confusing.

These terms often overlap and the process of creating them is equally complex. The process of creating a 3D model and 3D render, respectively, requires an entirely different process from one another. However, it is important to note that, they are often used together. 3D modelling and 3D rendering are different stages of the 3D workflow. On the other hand, it is necessary to understand the differences and similarities in order to utilize both the 3D model and 3D render designs effectively and how you can use either or both of them to present your product or services to your potential customers.

In this article, let’s breakdown how 3D modelling and 3D rendering are two separate terms but are used in conjunction with one another

 

What is 3D Modeling?

3D modelling is the first step. It is a method to generate a 3D digital twin of any object in simulated 3D space. Any 3D model started with the basic geometric shape like a sphere, a plane, or a polygon which is done by connecting the points called vertex or vertices with edges to collectively form a 3D image or 3D model. This is generated or can be produced through special software or through 3D scans using special equipment like Matterport cameras. The 3D models are then used in/for illustrations, animations, science, gaming, renders, and more.

 

Types of 3D Modeling

There are three main types of 3D modelling that are specifically used for different purposes and goals, which are: solid, wireframe, and surface modelling.

Solid Modeling— Solid model gives emphasis on the accuracy of dimensions and angle of an object that is necessary for computer analysis and digital prototyping. This modelling type uses the basic geometric shapes (e.g. cubes, spheres, cones, cylinders, etc.) that are then manipulated through subtraction or by overlapping these shapes to form a more complex shape.

Wireframe Modeling— The wireframe 3D model represents the structural framework of an object. Using “metal wires” or edge (i.e. straight lines or curves) to connect the vertices to create the object, the 3D model basically doesn’t have an apparent surface and its internal components are also visible from the view.

Surface Modeling— This is the most advance of the modelling types and capable of creating a 3D model with high realism. It is more complex than a wireframe model. Basically, the goal in surface modelling is to achieve high realism without the limitations of being mathematically accurate like in solid modelling. The surface 3D model emphasizes the visual representation of an object’s exterior and contours.

 

Use for 3D Modeling

  • Illustrates a schematic structure.
  • Enables better and efficient project planning.
  • To foresee and eliminates interference in building systems.
  • Detects system issues or conflicts before installations.

What is 3D Rendering?

3D rendering is the final step of the 3D designing process. After creating 3D models of a collection of objects, rendering will produce a photorealistic image of the object by also adding lights, shadows, textures, and other elements using rendering software. Not only that, the final output can be a realistic simulation or a full-scale visual of the project that can be used to review the designs like how it would look in the actual physical world while providing you with the option to make adjustments. It is a very efficient, convenient, economical, and revolutionary way of project designing and planning.

 

Steps In 3D Rendering

Step 1: Brainstorming

Any project starts with brainstorming. With 3D rendering, the artist or designer must understand the client’s vision, what the project is about, and what the potential user or customer expects. Brainstorming could start with plans, sketches, and reference images collaborated by both the client and the designer. This step also includes the devices and software to be used and even the camera angle set up.

Step 2: 3D Modeling

As mentioned, 3D rendering is not possible without 3D models. As an initial step of the actual designing process, the designer should create the digital twins of each object or structure needed.

Step 3: Texture and Lighting

Taking into consideration the approved camera angle, the designer will then move forward and add details that would make the whole set up realistic—add materials, textures, lighting, and shadows. The camera angle will basically determine how much lighting and shadows are needed. The designer can control the texture whether something is smooth, rough, glossy, or matte and other parameters which are called the material setup.

Step 4: Finishing

To wrap up the whole design, the designer will add finishing touches which may include décor and landscaping—any other element that will make the design aesthetically pleasing, cohesive, and realistic.

Step 5: Rendering

The final step. Now, what is only left to do is to let the 3D rendering software to process all the necessary files. 3D rendering may take a few minutes to several days depending on the complexity of the whole project.

 

Use for 3D Rendering

  • Provides an insight to improve any design before installation or construction.
  • Facilitates and boosts digital marketing efforts.
  • Exhibit ideas in 3D animation, 3D floor plans, virtual tours, or walkthroughs.
  • Allow architects, engineers, and/ or real estate brokers to present properties to clients.

 

Main Difference Between Modeling And Rendering

Now that we have outlined the difference in definition, processes, and uses of both 3D Modeling and 3D Rendering, what is their major difference?

They are two separate steps that involve a different process that completes the whole 3D visualization process. Modelling is the base level or step and without it 3D rendering is impossible. 3D models are created with different goals in mind as outlined in the types of modelling. These 3D models can be used in different renders.

frequently asked questions

Matterport is an American based SaaS company that provides a platform for creating 3D Virtual Tours. Professional tour creators use the platform to deliver high-quality products to clients.

Matterport is an all-in-one solution that has unparalleled quality and is easy for your customers to use. With secure model management & cloud servers, it’s always available when you or your customers need it.

3D Virtual Tours are included on your website through the use of an iFrame. An iFrame is a bit of code that allows the tour experience to be embedded in your website, eliminating the need for users to click a link and be redirected to another website page. Matterport provides these codes with limited functionality, SmartView Media provides custom iFrame codes to our clients that allow a great level of control and customisation for how the tours are displayed on your website. These options can easily be turned on and off by customers in our SmartHub platform.

Our tours using an Embed code to connect seamlessly with your website, regardless of how your website is built it will be able to display one of our 3D Tours.

Scanning will take at least 1-2 hours depending on the model or the space being scanned. Some spaces with difficult geometry & scan points require for more time to process. Normally our team can have a completed 3D Tour back to you in 48 hours.

A typical 360 Tour is a combination of 360 panoramic images, these images are then added to 3rd party software and use a button in each image to link to the next image in the sequence. This allows the user to move from one image to the next.

A Matterport 3D Virtual Tour is a combination of 360 panoramic images and infrared scan data. The images and IR data are combined using photogrammetry & AI to make a digital 3D model. This 3D model is accurate to within 1% and allows the user to view a Floor Plan, Dollhouse & take measurements all while moving freely around the location.

This really depends on several factors, from the size and complexity of the location that is being captured down to the level of desired detail. The more 3D Scan points a Matterport Tour has, the better the final result will be for the end user experience, as the scan points are the locations that a user can view the space from. A typical home can range from 90mins to 180mins depending on it’s size, room & furniture layout. An office location of 1000 sqm can take around 120mins to 180mins for the same reasons mentioned previously.

A Matterport 3D Virtual Tour is created by capturing a combination of infrared data & 360 panoramic images. This combination is called a 3D Scan. A Matterport 3D Virtual Tour is the combination of these 3D Scans, which are captured at regular intervals throughout a location, this information is then combined to create an interactive 3D Mesh which allows the user to move from point to point to view the model.

No, it currently isn’t possible to download a Matterport 3D Tour. The tours can be embedded on your website, but as the tours are stored in the cloud they will always require an internet connection in order to access them. It is not possible to download them and put them on a hard drive or USB memory stick.

In order to capture the most detailed 3D Virtual Tour experience possible for your location, it is best that as few people as possible are around. This prevents any unwanted captures of people moving through rooms.

Matterport Pro 2 cameras use infrared to assist with 3D mapping the surrounding environment, as a result the platform is best suited to capturing indoor areas. However, we can utilise 360 images combined with the Cortex feature to capture external areas in the right circumstances.

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Matterport 3D Tours – Get Your Quote Today

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Fill out the form below, and we’ll get back to you with a custom quote.

Get Your Qoute Today

Ready to showcase your space with an immersive 3D virtual tour? Get in touch with our team today! Whether you’re in real estate, construction, retail, or hospitality, we’ll create a high-quality 3D experience tailored to your needs. 
Fill out the form below, and we’ll get back to you with a custom quote.