3D Modeling Programs (that take plot point inputs)

[Lokire]

I have a list of 3D plot points that correspond to cubes (8 points make one cube). I'm looking for a 3D modeling program that can take these plot points as a bulk input (CSV file or something), and draw the results in a 3D space.

Any thoughts?

I built my own 3D modeling program in Excel / VBA that basically takes a set of 3D plot points, and converts them to 2D 'screen' points to draw the object in a 2D space based on a given viewer's location and perspective (3-point perspective projection). It was a pain, but it works and was a great learning experience. The problem is that once excel gets up into thousands of plot points for a larger model, it slows down significantly. And whenever I want to change the perspective, it has to start over and re-draw everything. So I'm wanting to export the 3D plot point output of my program into a program that is actually designed to do 3D modeling work.

I don't really want to spend thousands of dollars for one of the industry standard CAD programs, but it doesn't have to be free either.

[Selta]

I *think* GNUPlot will do this, but it's been ages since I've played with it. Others that I know that will, fall in the "thousands of dollars" category

[hover]

can you draw the item in 3d on one layer on a regular CAD program and then add the plot points in a separate layer?

[Lokire]

Originally Posted by Ray Salamon

I *think* GNUPlot will do this, but it's been ages since I've played with it. Others that I know that will, fall in the "thousands of dollars" category

Have heard of GNUPlot, but never messed with it. I'll try it out - thanks!

Originally Posted by hover

can you draw the item in 3d on one layer on a regular CAD program and then add the plot points in a separate layer?

I don't follow. My excel program generates thousands of plot points (x, y, z) that I need to programmatically draw on the screen to create a 'model'. I don't need the points themselves to be drawn; they're just representing the corners of the cubes that need to get drawn.

[hover]

I misunderstood. I was merely asking. I use cad everyday, figured it was easier.

R

[Lokire]

No worries. I would love to get into CAD, but I hear it's a pretty steep learning curve (was that your experience?), and I wouldn't have a lot of real-world use for it. Architecture, structural engineering, and general virtual modeling is fascinating to me though.

[hover]

I use primarily AutoCAD for day to day, and some Solidworks and once you get used to the icon-set, it's pretty intuitive.


Maybe do a Google for a free basic CAD setup, there were a lot of results when I just searched, you know, something to play around on.

Sorry I cannot help further (short of drawing it up at work, which I kinda can't)...what is the end model of if you don't mind me asking? It sounds like x,y,z to set distances like a point to point drill or mill data entry....,

[iamlowsound]

I use AutoCAD and Autodesk Civil 3D all the time. Civil 3D has a huge learning curve. For your application, google sketch up (we use it industry as well for building some subdivision renderings).

lowsound