2D versus 3D Modeling Methods

Many times, modelers use a combination of 3D and 2D modeling techniques in the creation of a 3D model. With the combination of these methods, we receive the easy rendering processes that come with 3D model creation, and the ease in creating models that come with 2D model creation processes.

There are three main benefits to using 3D models, rather than 2D models. One, 3D models are flexible and can be changed or animated quickly, with quicker rendering time. Rendering time refers to the amount of time that it takes to give a model life, or animate it. Which brings us to the second benefit to using 3d models, this ease of rendering allows to physically create the model, rather than having to imagine the effects? Next, the accuracy is discussed. 3D models create an accuracy that cannot be created with 2D models. If a builder or a designer is able to picture the object or design in which they are building and consult with the rendering throughout the creation process, this ensures less mistakes are going to be made in the creation of the model.

Aside from these benefits come the disadvantages of creating 3D models, these are: the difficulty and practice that it takes a model to create lifelike models. Some of these effects are difficult to learn, and techniques mean additional time spent learning the software and creating the 3D model.

The significant differences that arise between the two forms of modeling are: the space in which the object is defined, and the ability to render such things as perspective, shadow and lighting, as well as other photorealistic effects.

In some professions, such as the medical profession, 2D models have been preferred in x-rays and other diagnostic forms because of the simplification that comes with reading the results, and abstract information can be difficult to detect within 3D models, therefore making representations difficult to create, and even more difficult to read!

2D and 3D Computer Graphics

Two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) computer graphics are all around us and enable us to be able to visualize and manipulate data everyday. What is the difference between 2D and 3D computer graphics, such as 3D Models? Let's explore the difference and similarities between them.

2D computer graphics

2D computer graphics are digital images that are computer-based. They include 2D geometric models, such as image compositions, pixel art, digital art, photographs, and text. 2D graphics are used everyday on traditional printing and drawing. There are two kinds of 2D computer graphics - raster and vector graphics.

Raster graphics or bitmaps are composed of arrays of pixels. Each pixel can be a different color or shade. They are edited on the pixel level and are used on most old computer and video games, graphing calculator games, and many mobile phone games. Vector graphics are composed of paths. Paths are used to describe the images by establishing mathematical relationships between points within an image. Vector graphics are mainly used on photographic images.

3D computer graphics

3D computer graphics are graphics that use 3D representation of geometric data. This geometric data is then manipulated by computers via 3D computer graphics software in order to customize their display, movements, and appearance. 3D computer graphics are often referred to as 3d models. A 3d model is a mathematical representation of geometric data that is contained in a data file. 3D models, can be used for real-time 3D viewing in animations, videos, movies, training, simulations, architectural visualizations or for display as 2D rendered images (2D renders).

In contrast to a 2D graphics, a 3D model is a "mathematical representation of any 3D object." A 3D model is not technically a graphic until it is visually displayed as a 2D image through a process called 3D rendering. 3D models can also be or used in non-graphical computer simulations and calculations.

One of the advantages that 2D graphics have over 3D models is that they allow more direct control of the image and are easier to change with relatively simple software packages. 3D models are not so easy to change because it requires specific 3D modeling skills and more complex and powerful 3D model software.


3D models use many of the same mathematical algorithms as 2D vector graphics in the wire frame model. Also, when 3d models they are finally displayed as renders, they use similar algorithms as the 2D raster graphics. 3D models use many of the 2D rendering techniques, while 2D computer graphics use many of the 3D techniques to achieve realistic effects such as lighting.


Fig.1 3D Architectural Visualization of an office space



Fig.2 3D model of Arab battlefield commonly used for military training, simulations, and 3D games


Fig.3 2D renders a BMW M3 cabriolet 2008 3d model vehicle




Fig.4 The wireframe of a 3D model of a Volkswagen Beetle