Modelling is by far the most time consuming and challenging aspect of developing Synthetic Environments as you must strike a fine balance between detail and performance, based on your target platform. Depending on the project, you may have to model objects from scratch or use existing CAD models and reduce the polygon count.This step, more than any other, will have the greatest impact on the usability and appeal of your Synthetic Environments.
Important Note: this tutorial does not teach 3D modelling. A basic grasp of 3D and/or CAD modelling is assumed. We will be working with an existing model. Having said that, it is still possible to utilise the many free 3D models on the Internet for your own Synthetic Environment projects, even with little or no 3D modelling experience. Check the Links and Resources page for free model archives.