what is three dimensional presentation

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Chapter 15: Presentation Aids: Design and Usage

What are presentation aids.

When you give a speech, you are presenting much more than just a collection of words and ideas. Because you are speaking “live and in person,” your audience members will experience your speech through all five of their senses: hearing, vision, smell, taste, and touch. In some speaking situations, the speaker appeals only to the sense of hearing, more or less ignoring the other senses except to avoid visual distractions by dressing and presenting himself or herself in an appropriate manner. But the speaking event can be greatly enriched by appeals to the other senses. This is the role of presentation aids.

Presentation aids, sometimes also called sensory aids, are the resources beyond the speech itself that a speaker uses to enhance the message conveyed to the audience. The type of presentation aids that speakers most typically make use of are visual aids: pictures, diagrams, charts and graphs, maps, and the like. Audible aids include musical excerpts, audio speech excerpts, and sound effects. A speaker may also use fragrance samples or a food samples as olfactory or gustatory aids. Finally, presentation aids can be three-dimensional objects, animals, and people; they can unfold over a period of time, as in the case of a how-to demonstration.

As you can see, the range of possible presentation aids is almost infinite. However, all presentation aids have one thing in common: To be effective, each presentation aid a speaker uses must be a direct, uncluttered example of a specific element of the speech. It is understandable that someone presenting a speech about Abraham Lincoln might want to include a picture of him, but because most people already know what Lincoln looked like, the picture would not contribute much to the message (unless, perhaps, the message was specifically about the changes in Lincoln’s appearance during his time in office). Other visual artifacts are more likely to deliver information more directly relevant to the speech—a diagram of the interior of Ford’s Theater where Lincoln was assassinated, a facsimile of the messy and much-edited Gettysburg Address, or a photograph of the Lincoln family, for example. The key is that each presentation aid must directly express an idea in your speech.

Moreover, presentation aids must be used at the time when you are presenting the specific ideas related to the aid. For example, if you are speaking about coral reefs and one of your supporting points is about the location of the world’s major reefs, it will make sense to display a map of these reefs while you’re talking about location. If you display it while you are explaining what coral actually is, or describing the kinds of fish that feed on a reef, the map will not serve as a useful visual aid—in fact, it’s likely to be a distraction.

Presentation aids must also be easy to use. At a conference on organic farming, your author watched as the facilitator opened the orientation session by creating a conceptual map of our concerns, using a large newsprint pad on an easel. In his shirt pocket were wide-tipped felt markers in several colors. As he was using the black marker to write the word “pollution,” he dropped the cap on the floor, and it rolled a few inches under the easel. When he bent over to pick up the cap, all the other markers fell out of his pocket. They rolled about too, and when he tried to retrieve them, he bumped the easel, leading the easel and newsprint pad to tumble over on top of him. The audience responded with amusement and thundering applause, but the serious tone of his speech was ruined. The next two days of the conference were punctuated with allusions to the unforgettable orientation speech. This is not how you will want your speech to be remembered.

To be effective, presentation aids must also be easy for the listeners to see and understand. In this chapter, we will present some principles and strategies to help you incorporate hardworking, effective presentation aids into your speech. We will begin by discussing the functions that good presentation aids fulfill. Next, we will explore some of the many types of presentation aids and how best to design and utilize them. We will also describe various media that can be used for presentation aids. We will conclude with tips for successful preparation and use of presentation aids in a speech.

Stand up, Speak out Copyright © 2016 by University of Minnesota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Home Blog PowerPoint Tutorials How to Insert 3D Model in PowerPoint

How to Insert 3D Model in PowerPoint

One unique design you can add to your PowerPoint presentations is 3D or three-dimensional models. These can be a great way to illustrate a point or catch your viewers’ attention. This guide will show you how to work with PowerPoint 3D models.

Method #1: Insert a 3D Model in PowerPoint Via Online 3D Models

1. To insert a 3D Model in PowerPoint via the online 3D models catalog, open your slide presentation saved on your computer.

2. Select the slide you want to insert a 3d model for PowerPoint into.

3. From the ribbon, click the Insert tab and choose 3D Models . Click the 3D icon ( Cube icon ) or the down arrow to open the dropdown menu and choose Stock 3D Models .

4. The Online 3D Models window will open on the right side of your screen.

5. Here, you can select from a wide selection of 3d shapes for PPT. Depending on your chosen theme, you can click and select the 3D model that’s suited for you. In this guide, we’ll pick a Linear 3D Model , under the Chemistry theme.

6. Select the 3D model that you like and click the Insert button. If you want to insert more than one 3D model, select them all and click Insert . Your selected 3D models will appear with an orange checkmark on the model’s thumbnail.

Note : Alternatively, you can search for a 3D model by using the search function.

7. Once inserted, you can resize the 3D model using the border points. You can also rotate it using the 3D Control icon to tilt and rotate the 3D model in any direction. Just click the icon and drag it to your desired direction.

Method #2: Insert a 3D Model in PowerPoint Via a Saved 3D Model on your Computer

In this case, we’ll work our way to insert a 3D model in PowerPoint from either a generated 3D file, a downloaded element from a 3D library , or any stock 3D models for PowerPoint.

1. Download a 3D model on your preferred site. In this guide, we’ll download a free human 3D model via a third-party website.

2. After downloading, you’ll be given either a .BMP (Bitmap), .FBX (Autodesk Filmbox), or .OBJ (Standard 3D file format). You’ll need the .OBJ version of the 3D image for PowerPoint.

3. Open your PowerPoint presentation and click the Insert tab from the ribbon. Select the down arrow and choose This Device…

4. Select the .OBJ version of the 3D file and click Insert .

5. The 3D image will now appear on the slide. Like the last method, you can also resize and rotate the slide using the border points and the 3D Control icon.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, the process of how to insert 3D model in PowerPoint is very straightforward. This awesome feature is a lifesaver for quality academic presentations , for people in the 3D modeling industry, and way more. If you want to explore other ways to insert 3D Models into PowerPoint, you can check out our article on how to create a 3D floorplan presentation in PowerPoint .

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Using 3D in Microsoft PowerPoint

by John Quinn | Tue May 2018 | Presentations , Techtip | 0 comments

The option to insert 3D models into presentation slides is now available in the Office 365 Version of Microsoft PowerPoint!

With the option of using 3D in Microsoft PowerPoint comes the ability to create depth without having to allude to it with 2D images. 2D flat design always has it use and purpose, but for those times when you want to add a more advanced illusory 3-dimensional space to your presentations, you now can!

See the screenshot below to find out exactly where you need to go in PowerPoint to insert 3D Models (you can add your own from outside of the free Microsoft library).  I will be doing a more in depth technical post in the near future showing you how to use the 3D Models feature.

What are the benefits of using 3D models in PowerPoint?

3D models and 3D animations have been around for many years now. It is a more natural fit with the 3 dimensional space we live in. It creates a sense of volume, space, distance and perspective which is pleasing to the eye and the brain. Used in the right way it can enhance your presentations and take them to the next level!

As in the example shown below you may want to show a 3D model which you wish to rotate, zoom or move on a flat plane. In this case it is a human heart which is animated with naming words and arrows added in a morphing slide transition sequence. Rather than just using a 2D flat image, which cannot be moved in 3D space, the 3D model of the heart is much more interesting and visually descriptive. Obviously the tone for the visual communication is set by the brief and the overall look and feel of the design can change, from being one of a more entertaining lighthearted approach to a serious and highly detailed medical lecture presentation.

Because Dinosaurs?

As in the example below imagine showing children in a classroom a Tyrannosaurus Rex up close and personal! While also having animated prompts appear onscreen for them to read. The .ppt file can also be saved as a video file (the file below is a .mp4 file) which the children could view later at home and share with their parents or siblings. The applications are only limited by what 3D Models you can find or create for the presentation. This example could be used for a classroom, lecture hall, a televised documentary and anywhere else you would want to make an impact while teaching or entertaining the viewer.

Show off your real world objects

If you can make or possess, the appropriate file types of your 3D object, you can show them off to your audience. Are you an engineer, with a 3D model of a prototype, who needs investor funding to make the project a reality? A real estate tycoon with a development that needs to wet the appetite of buyers with 3D models of spec houses? A tech company that wants to launch your latest and greatest device to rival the iPhone?

If you have the 3D models, or can make them, then you can use them in PowerPoint! Currently you may be limited with some file types but you can get an idea across if you are willing to put in the time or the monetary investment. In the example below you can see a 3D model of a house that is moved around as part of the presentation and used to place text onto and around. Smooth movements and complementary animated text can make a truly great statement.

I hope you enjoyed a look at some 3D Model demos using PowerPoint and the insert 3D Model tool . At AudienceAlive we stay up with the latest developments in presentation design , presentation training and interactive audience engagement technologies. This way we can offer more to our clients and also expand our own skills and knowledge base too.

In the following post I will actually show you how to use 3D models in your very own slide presentations so stay tuned………

Post created by Simon Hankins – AudienceAlive

6 Top Tools For Creating Presentations In 3D

Creating a presentation with attractive designs can sometimes be the difference between a good presentation and a failed one. One of the programs known for its ability to help users create attractive presentations is MS PowerPoint, however, it is only natural that one should use all kind of available resources for creating eye-catching presentations. Adding 3D objects can be a major source of creating attractive presentations by inserting graphs, images and other kinds of 3 dimensional objects. While PowerPoint offers some 3D presentation shapes and designs by default, there are numerous third-party tools and add-ins that are a better alternative. In this post we will explore tools that can be used for creating stunning presentations in 3D .

1. Perspector

Prespector is an application that allows users to add 3D graphics to their PowerPoint presentations. Since bulletin boards and regular slides can be boring for your audience, adding some 3D graphical elements can help you enhance the look of your presentation and to keep the audience interested. Prespector provides a set of images that can be imported as slides to tailor them according to the user’s requirement. You can also create 3D images from scratch by using the drawing interface.

Prespector is a paid application and runs on Windows based operating systems. It creates presentations in PowerPoint file format. Additionally, you can also check out this free 3D Box PowerPoint template to create a PowerPoint presentation in 3D.

2. Convexion

Convexion is an add-in for MS PowerPoint 2007 and 2010 to convert presentations to WPF and Silverlight format. This enables creating attractive animations with the help of PowerPoint. For example, you can create a presentation, add transition effects and upload it to your blog/website after turning it to Silverlight format. Since Silverlight is cross-browser supported, therefore, the file can also be used for offline distribution as the recipient will not require PowerPoint installed on his/her system to view the Silverlight file.

The standard edition of Convexion costs $149, whereas the Pro version costs $199. The standard edition allows exporting a file to Silverlight XAP + HTML and WPF (EXE) formats, while the Pro version provides the option to adds Microsoft Blend and Visual Studio .SLN Export.

3. Aurora 3D Presentation

Aurora 3D Presentation is a handy software that allows creating professional looking 3D presentations in various formats. Aurora 3D Presentation is particularly useful for beginners and intermediate users who wish to create presentations in 3D with the help of combining images, videos and textual data.

While Aura 3D does not support the MS PowerPoint format, it can be useful for creating video presentations. You can find out more details from our Review of Aura 3D Presentation software.

4. Anaglyph Maker

Anaglyph Maker is a free software that can help you create anaglyph and interleave images for red-blue and LC-shutter glasses. While the utility of this application may not directly be related to the creation of presentations, however it can be used to create 3D images to insert them in applications such as MS PowerPoint. This can be a unique experience for your audience to invoke interest for your presentations.

Anaglyph Maker works on Windows based operating systems, (Windows 98/2000/XP/Vista/ 7).

Download Anaglyph Maker

5. Autodesk 3DS Max

If you are an advanced user and are good with graphics designing then you can make use of applications such as Autodesk 3ds Max. It must be noted that Autodesk has two versions and while one version is meant for game development, animations, etc, the second version is more likely to be useful for creating presentations. The Autodesk 3ds Max Design software has been developed for professionals such as architects, visualization specialists, engineers and the like, so that they can create and simulate models. These models can very well be used as presentations for large scale projects.

6. Maxon Cinema 4D

Maxon Cinema 4D is a tool for graphic designers to create 3D images. The scope of this applications is to allow users to create 3D logos, designs, simulations, illustrations, buildings, etc. For this reason Maxon can also be used as a software for creating 3D presentations.

It is worth mentioning here that software like Autodesk 3ds Max and Maxon Cinema 4D are not meant as an alternative for programs such as MS PowerPoint. These software have only been included in this list because of their ability to create presentations (in the form of models and simulations) on a grand scale, e.g. a governmental project or building design.

Download Maxon Cinema 4D (Update: Link no longer available)

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How to insert a 3D model in PowerPoint

When we talk about 3D, we refer to three-dimensional objects, that is, objects that have three dimensions: length, width, and height. Humans see the world around us in 3D, as we can perceive the length, width, and height of all the objects around us.

Of course, 3D objects can also be found in graphic design. What's more, we can include 3D resources in our PowerPoint presentations to give them an original, but, above all, realistic touch.

So, in this post, we are going to tell you how to insert 3D resources in PowerPoint to make your presentations unique. Don't worry, you won't need the famous red and blue 3D glasses to read this information! Here we go!

Although we would love to have the ability to edit and insert 3D resources in Google Slides, at the moment it is only possible in PowerPoint. If you want to share your presentation or have it in the cloud, you can first edit it in PowerPoint and when you are done, upload it to Google Drive.

Here are some techniques for editing and using 3D resources in PowerPoint. Take note because let's get started!

How to insert stock 3D models in PowerPoint

How to create 3d elements.

PowerPoint offers quite a large amount of stock 3D models as you can find all kinds of elements, from simple geometric shapes to elements of any category and theme such as animals, furniture, avatars, dinosaurs, food and drinks, flowers and plants, sports, and many more. You can also find models with animations.

The procedure for inserting resources is very simple:

• Insert > 3D Models > Insert 3D model from... > Stock 3D models.
• Finally, choose the model you want. As we have mentioned, there is a wide variety of models, some of them animated, you just have to select the one that best suits the content of your presentation.
• Place the element wherever you want and with the size and orientation, you need.
• You can also modify the format of the 3D model, for example, add a reflection effect: Right-click on the model > Format 3D model > Effects > Reflection.

Another way to include 3D elements is to create them from scratch, and then insert them into your presentation. For this, we will use the Paint 3D application.

• Click on 3D Shapes. In this way, we will be able to insert, with the format we want, doodles, objects, or 3D models.
• As an example, let's insert a 3D doodle. In the options menu on the right, we can select the shape of the doodle, the color, or the thickness.
• Let's adapt the sheet to the size of the 3D element. To do this, click on crop and we adjust.
• After we have finished editing the 3D element, let's save it on our computer so that we can export it to PowerPoint. Click in the upper left corner on Menu > Save As > 3D Model. Select the folder where we are going to save it and give it a file name.
• Now we open PowerPoint to insert the 3D resource into the presentation. Click on Insert > 3D Models > Insert 3D Model From > This device > Choose the folder where the 3D model we created is and insert it.

And that's it for this post! You can insert and create 3D elements as we have explained, but if you need to, at Slidesgo we have a selection of templates that you can use in Google Slides and PowerPoint with 3D resources included. Either way, start seeing life in 3D!

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Three Dimensional Learning

Dimension 1: Practices

The practices describe behaviors that scientists engage in as they investigate and build models and theories about the natural world and the key set of engineering practices that engineers use as they design and build models and systems. The NRC uses the term practices instead of a term like “skills” to emphasize that engaging in scientific investigation requires not only skill but also knowledge that is specific to each practice. Part of the NRC’s intent is to better explain and extend what is meant by “inquiry” in science and the range of cognitive, social, and physical practices that it requires.

Although engineering design is similar to scientific inquiry, there are significant differences. For example, scientific inquiry involves the formulation of a question that can be answered through investigation, while engineering design involves the formulation of a problem that can be solved through design. Strengthening the engineering aspects of the Next Generation Science Standards will clarify for students the relevance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (the four STEM fields) to everyday life.

Dimension 2: Crosscutting Concepts

Crosscutting concepts have application across all domains of science. As such, they are a way of linking the different domains of science. They include: Patterns, similarity, and diversity; Cause and effect; Scale, proportion and quantity; Systems and system models; Energy and matter; Structure and function; Stability and change. The Framework emphasizes that these concepts need to be made explicit for students because they provide an organizational schema for interrelating knowledge from various science fields into a coherent and scientifically-based view of the world.

Dimension 3: Disciplinary Core Ideas

Disciplinary core ideas have the power to focus K – 12 science curriculum, instruction and assessments on the most important aspects of science. To be considered core, the ideas should meet at least two of the following criteria and ideally all four:

• Have broad importance across multiple  sciences or engineering disciplines or be a key organizing concept of a single discipline; 
• Provide a key tool for understanding or investigating more complex ideas and solving problems;
• Relate to the interests and life experiences of students or be connected to societal or personal concerns that require scientific or technological knowledge;
• Be teachable and learnable over multiple grades at increasing levels of depth and sophistication.

Disciplinary ideas are grouped in four domains: the physical sciences ; the life sciences ; the earth and space sciences ; and engineering, technology and applications of science .

Read more about the three dimensions in the NRC Framework online here .

 Dimension 1: Pract

1. The National Academies, Board on Science Education, Designing a Conceptual Framework for New Science Education Standards, Frequently Asked Questions, pg. 1.

The practices describe behaviors that scientists engage in as they investigate and build models and theories about the natural world and the key set of engineering practices that engineers use as they design and build models and systems. The NRC uses the term practices instead of a term like “skills” to emphasize that engaging in scientific investigation requires not only skill but also knowledge that is specific to each practice. Part of the NRC’s intent is to better explain and extend what is meant by “inquiry” in science and the range of cognitive, social, and physical practices that it r

Although engineering design is similar to scientific inquiry there are significant differences. For example, scientific inquiry involves the formulation of a question that can be answered through investigation, while engineering design involves the formulation of a problem that can be solved through design. Strengthening the engineering aspects of the Next Generation Science Standards will clarify for students the relevance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (the four STEM fields) to everyday life.

Dimension 2: Cross-cutti

The NRC cross-cutting concepts have application across all domains of science. As such they are a way of linking the different domains of science. They include: Patterns, similarity, and diversity; Cause and effect; Scale, proportion and quantity; Systems and system models; Energy and matter; Form and function; Stability and change. The Framework also emphasizes that these concepts need to be made explicit for students because they provide an organizational schema for interrelating knowledge from various science fields into a coherent and scientifically-based view of the wor

Disciplinary core ideas have the power to focus K-12 science curriculum, instruction and assessments on the most important aspects of science. To be considered core, the ideas should should meet at least two of the following criteria and ideally all four: Have broad importance across multiple  sciences or engineering disciplines or be a key organizing principle of a single discipline;  Provide a key tool for understanding or investigating more complex ideas and solving problems; Relate to the interests and life experiences of students or be connected to societal or personal concerns that require  scientific or technological knowledge; Be teachable and learnable over multiple grades at increasing levels of depth and sophistication .1 Disciplinary ideas are grouped in four domains: the physical sciences; the l

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What is 3D visualization?

3D visualization is the process of creating and displaying digital content using 3D software, resulting in time and cost savings, improved collaboration, and greater productivity across industries like architecture, engineering, marketing, and manufacturing.

Seeing is believing when it comes to 3D

With 3D visualization, a user can pick up an object virtually, look underneath it, move it around and enjoy an entirely unique experience, all in a virtual environment. 

Try it out yourself with this 3D car configurator.

3D visualization overview

3d visualization for digital twins, explained, visualization of industrial data formats, why is 3d visualization important, how is 3d visualization used, the future of 3d visualization: real-time 3d.

3D visualization is a technical and artistic, multistep process of creating 3D designs of objects that exist (or will soon exist) in real-life. Used throughout a range of industries including manufacturing, architecture, and multimedia, 3D visualization creates the ability for graphics to be expressed with shape and depth — bringing projects to life for an engineer or artist. 

A study commissioned by Unity found that these are among the most common forms of visualization:

• Real-time 3D visualization

Although the newest of the methods, real-time 3D visualization is quickly on the rise. With real-time 3D software, fully interactive 3D models, environments, digital twins, and entire virtual worlds can be digitally rendered in a blink of an eye – a significant advantage over traditional content creation tools

• Physical modeling

Including 3D printed models, clay models for cars, drawings, and foam board replicas, physical models are the most common type of visualization method. While preferred by traditionalists, physical models do not offer high fidelity or any interactivity, and it is expensive and time-consuming to iterate on multiple concepts or versions.

• 2D visualization

Faster and cheaper than physical modeling, 2D visualization works by displaying static two-dimensional images such as, digital drawings, computer-generated images (CGI), and photographs. While the second most common visualization method, 2D visualization is poor at conveying scale and proportion – designers often need to prepare multiple renderings to simulate the perspective and depth of field (DoF) necessary for creating a credible real-world feel.

Industrial data formats such as computer-aided design (CAD) data or building information modeling (BIM) data are typically used by engineers, designers, and architects to create detailed 2D and 3D models of manufactured products, buildings, and more. 

CAD and BIM data are used across industries for their abilities to improve collaboration and accelerate concept-to-manufacture time. However, the density, complexity, and file size of these data make interactive visualization challenging.

As visualization is an essential tool used at all stages of the product lifecycle , industries are now turning to real-time 3D engines to enable true-to-life, interactive 3D visualization for better multiuser collaboration and decision-making. But, they still have one hurdle to overcome – converting industrial data formats into a real-time 3D engine-compatible format.

So, how do companies overcome this hurdle? They use a data optimization solution that bridges the gap.

These solutions take industrial data, such as CAD files, that rely on exact parametric surfaces (called BREP or NURBS) and translate this data into a triangular representation of 3D objects (called mesh data) that can properly support interactivity on devices like phones, tablets, and augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) devices. This enables teams to explore models from any vantage point, review designs together in an immersive way, and ultimately make better decisions before taking real-world action.

Companies creating physical assets (cars, robots, buildings, etc.) have a multitude of visualization requirements. To meet these needs, many currently employ an array of tools and experiences, like images and videos. But, if a picture is worth a thousand words, what does it mean to have that same information presented to you in 3D? 

The power of 3D visualization is its ability to parallel reality – bringing numerous benefits, including: 

• Cost savings from reducing reliance on expensive physical prototypes and catching design and engineering flaws earlier
• Faster time to market by enabling collaboration and communication between teams
• Increased sales by presenting products in compelling ways beyond traditional multimedia formats

Winning more projects by presenting future designs in a realistic, true-to-life way

3D visualization is used to create digital content across industries such as product design, manufacturing, architecture, interior design, sales and marketing , education, and multimedia

• Product design and manufacturing 

3D visualization creates efficiencies within the manufacturing and product design process by providing the ability to implement AR-guided assistance during production, virtual assembly process validation, technician training, and digital factory simulation.

     2.  Architecture and interior design

3D visualization allows architects and interior designers to create real-time BIM experiences to drive project efficiencies, conduct immersive design reviews, and connect design and construction.

    3. Sales and marketing

Using 3D visualization, marketers can drive engagement and boost conversions by creating interactive product configurators , AR/VR shopping experiences, virtual events, and photorealistic renderings.

   4. Education 

3D visualization improves training by catering to various learning styles through VR experiences, providing students with immersive remote classroom access, and more.

With real-time 3D software, fully interactive, 3D models, environments, and entire virtual worlds can be digitally rendered faster than a blink of an eye - a significant advantage over traditional content creation tools.

Real-time 3D experiences are fundamentally both:

• Immersive , because the digital representation of reality is lifelike and approaches the authenticity of our analog experience of reality, and
• Interactive , because users have precise control over their experience, much like a video game.

During the creation process, real-time 3D allows users to iterate rapidly and adjust components like animation, audio and video, cinematics, environments, lighting, user interfaces, visual effects, and more. At any point in development, users enjoy real-time previews of their work – visualization is instant, so there’s no waiting around for the results to render.

Once real-time 3D content is created, it can be deployed to mobile devices, computers, AR and VR devices, and other platforms. Users can interact in real-time with these “live” applications, resulting in a fundamentally more engaging and immersive experience than non-interactive, static content.

Our world is in three dimensions; we move, think and experience in 3D. The extended spatial presence that virtual environments replicate brings numerous benefits, such as enhanced problem solving , better knowledge retention , and higher levels of engagement and understanding .

3D rendering overview

What is 3d rendering.

3D rendering is a step within the 3D visualization process that uses light to produce images based on three-dimensional data stored on your computer.

Related to 3D rendering, real-time rendering is most commonly used in video games or interactive graphics. Real-time rendering also uses light to produce images but at a much quicker speed, so the scenes appear to occur in real-time and users can interact with the render while it is still being developed.

Why is 3D rendering important?

3D rendering is important because it makes 3D visualization possible. It is the step within the process that allows for a 3D model to be transformed into a 2D image of a product, building, etc. with photorealistic effects. 

3D rendering is what enables architects, designers, and engineers to effortlessly collaborate with stakeholders, visualize ideas, and identify mistakes before development begins. 

With emerging trends like the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) and the metaverse, 3D rendering of data is increasingly becoming more important than ever before.

3D visualization vs 3D rendering

While often explained as two different processes, 3D visualization and 3D rendering are connected.

3D visualization is the process of creating 3D models to showcase designs of products, buildings, and more. 3D rendering is a step within this process, which cannot be started without a 3D model and – as visualization overlays the real world – needs to be spatial (3D).

Together, 3D rendering and 3D visualization create immersive, engaging content.

Add a new dimension to your 3D visualization

Get started with a real-time 3D visualization solution, no matter your industry .

Frequently asked questions

The cost of 3D rendering can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the complexity of the scene, the quality of the render, and the time frame in which it needs to be completed. Real-time 3D is typically more cost-effective and time-efficient than traditional rendering methods.

3D architectural visualization is the practice of creating a 3D model of a building or structure to showcase a design before it’s built. It is often used in conjunction with other forms of architectural renderings, such as drafting, to give potential clients and investors a more realistic sense of what the final product will look like. Architectural visualization can be used for both interior and exterior shots and can be either static or animated. This enables architects to communicate effectively during design reviews, collaborate more efficiently with project stakeholders, avoid costly mistakes, and drive alignment faster.

3D modeling and 3D rendering are two different steps within the 3D visualization process. 3D rendering cannot be started without a 3D model of the products, buildings, etc. 3D modeling involves creating a three-dimensional representation of an object or scene, while 3D rendering is the process of creating a realistic or lifelike image from a 3D model. While both processes can be used to create images of objects or scenes, 3D rendering is typically used for more complex images, while 3D modeling is often used for simpler images.

The main difference between 3D and real-time 3D is the speed at which the 3D models are rendered.

Traditional 3D rendering can take from seconds to even days for a single image or frame, whereas in real-time 3D, fully interactive, 3D models, environments, and entire virtual worlds are digitally rendered faster almost instantaneously. Real-time content is rendered at up to 120 images per second on a digital display.

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Three Dimensional Shapes (3D Shapes)- Definition, Examples

What are three dimensional shapes, history of 3d shapes, net of three dimensional shapes, solved examples of three dimensional shapes, practice problems of three dimensional shapes, frequently asked questions of three dimensional shapes.

In geometry, a three dimensional shape can be defined as a  solid  figure or an object or  shape  that has three dimensions— length , width, and height . Unlike two dimensional shapes, three-dimensional shapes have height, which is the same as thickness or depth. Three dimensional is also written as 3D and hence, these figures are commonly called 3D shapes too. All three dimensional figures occupy space, which is measured in terms of volume .

In 3D shapes, 3D refers to three-dimensionality. Dimensions can usually be thought of as measurements in a direction. Length, width, and depth can be considered dimensions .

All 3D shapes have three measurements: length, width, and height . Shapes look different from different directions. All 2D shapes are only measured by their length and width. Aristotle said that 2D shapes are lines and not figures or bodies. They are always described as extensions of lines or areas bounded by lines. Conversely, 3D shapes have volume.

By convention, the first three dimensions are represented as spatial dimensions x-y-z. Width, height, and depth are their respective names. 

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Examples of Three Dimensional Shapes

A cube , rectangular prism , sphere , cone , and cylinder are the basic three dimensional figures we see around us. 

Real-life Examples of Three Dimensional Shapes

3D shapes can be seen all around us. We can see a cube in a Rubik’s Cube and a die, a rectangular prism in a book and a box, a sphere in a globe and a ball, a cone in a carrot and an ice cream cone, and a cylinder in a bucket and a barrel around us. 

Some real-life examples of 3D shapes are listed below:

• Cone: Traffic cones and birthday caps are cone-shaped.
• Triangular prism: A tent is the shape of a triangular prism .
• Square pyramid: The pyramid of Giza in Egypt is the shape of a square pyramid.
• Rectangular prism: Boxes such as shoe boxes and cereal boxes are shaped like rectangular prisms. 

Attributes of Three Dimensional Shapes

There are three attributes of a three dimensional figure: face, edge, and vertex . Let’s understand three dimensional shapes and their properties in detail.

Face: Each single surface, flat or curved, of the 3D figure is called its face.

Edge: The line, where two faces of the 3D figures meet, is called its edge.

Vertex : Each corner, where three faces of 3D figures meet, is called its vertex. Vertices are the plural of the vertex.

List of Three Dimensional Shapes

Here’s a list of the names of three dimensional shapes with their pictures, and attributes.

All the points on a sphere are at the same distance from its center. The Earth is like that in some ways, except for one: when you look at it from far away, it looks like a sphere, but when you look at it from up close, it is not truly round. A sphere has several characteristics:

• It is perfectly symmetrical and shaped just like a ball.
• It also has length besides radius, diameter, circumference, volume, and area .
• The distance from the center to every point on the surface of a sphere is equal.
• No edges or vertices are found on its one face.
• Since it does not have a flat face, it is not a polyhedron .

Cube and Cuboid

A cube and a cuboid are both big blocks. The difference between them is that a cube has square faces, while a cuboid has rectangular faces.

A cylinder has two circular faces on both its ends and one curved surface along its length. It has height and radius. A cylinder’s height is perpendicular to its surface, from top to bottom. The following are some fundamental characteristics of cylinders:

• The face of a cylinder is curved.
• From the bottom to the top, its shape remains the same.
• Two identical ends shape the object’s three-dimensional form. The ends can be round or oval.
• A right cylinder has the centers of its circular bases along the same line, while an oblique cylinder has the centers of its bases along different lines.

Formula of Three Dimensional Shapes

A net is a pattern made when the surface of a 3D figure is laid out flat, showing each face of the figure .

3D figures can have more than one net pattern. A few 3D shapes names and their nets are shown below:

Fun Facts : All three dimensional shapes are made up of two dimensional shapes.

Difference between 2D Shapes and 3D Shapes

Let’s differentiate between 2D and 3D shapes by understanding two dimensional and three dimensional shapes and their properties.

Example 1: Which of the following is a 3D shape?

Cone Square Sphere Cuboid Cylinder Parallelogram

Cone Sphere Cuboid Cylinder

Example 2: State whether the following are true or false .

• A three-dimensional shape has 3 dimensions.
• Three-dimensional shapes are also called flat shapes.
• Three-dimensional shapes occupy space.
• All three-dimensional shapes have flat faces.
• False. Three-dimensional shapes are also called solid shapes.
• False. Sphere is a three-dimensional shape with no flat face.

Example 3: Complete the table with attributes of the 3D shapes listed.

Example 4: Match the object with its shape.

• (a) – (iii)
• (b) – (i)
• (c) – (iv)
• (d) – (ii)

Example 5: Calculate the surface area of a cuboid with a width of 4 units, length of 3 units, and height of 5 units. 

Given, the cuboid has three units of length, four units of width, and five units of height.

Surface area of the cuboid $= 2 \times (\text{lw} + \text{wh} + \text{lh})$ square units

$= 2 \times (\text{lw} + \text{wh} + \text{lh})$

$= 2[(3 \times 4) + (4 \times 5) + (3 \times 5)]$

$= 2(12 + 20 + 15)$

$= 94$ square units

Therefore, the surface area of the given cuboid is 94 square units .

Example 6: Jane likes to drink milk from a cylinder-shaped glass. Her glass has 15 units of height and 3 units of base radius. How much milk can she fill in the glass?

Given that the height of the glass is 15 units, and the radius of the base is 3 units.

Using the formula for the volume of a cylinder, we can find the volume of the glass.

The volume of the glass, $\text{V} = \pi $$r^2 \text{h}$

$= \pi(3)​^2​​​​​(15)$

$= 135\pi$  

$= 424.11 \text{in}^2$

Therefore, Jane can fill approximately 424 cubic units of milk in her glass.

Three Dimensional Shapes (3D Shapes)

Attend this Quiz & Test your knowledge.

Which shape has 2 flat faces and one curved face?

How many square shapes does the net of a cube have, which of the following has no edge, which of the given shapes is not a 3d shape, what is the intersection of two faces of a solid figure called, three-dimensional geometric figures are called ________., in mathematics, what is a solid, pointed figure joined to a vertex by a curved surface with a flat, round base.

What are the different types of 3D figures?

Cube, cuboid, cylinder, sphere, cone, prism, and pyramids.

What are the attributes of three-dimensional shapes?

Three-dimensional shapes have 3 dimensions—length, width, and depth. As a result of these dimensions these shapes have attributes of faces, edges and vertices.

What is an edge?

An edge is a line where two faces of a three-dimensional shape meet. 

For example, a cube has 12 edges.

What are vertices?

Vertices are corners where three faces meet. For example, a cuboid has 8 vertices.

What is the use of volume of a three dimensional shape?

Volume helps to find the space occupied by the given shape.

A cube net is made up of how many squares?

A cube net is made up of six squares.

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Guide to 3 different types of Interior Design presentations 2D, 2.5D and 3D

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Quick Guide to the 3 different types of Interior Design presentations 2D, 2.5D and 3D.

The difference between 2D, 2.5-D and 3-D presentation can be hard to navigate when you’re just starting out which is why I created this guide.

Once you understand it, you can begin to offer multiple tiers of products and develop speedy workflows within your business. The following guide can be used not only to explain the difference between presentation styles but also to give you examples of when, and when not, to use the different strategies.

To begin with, let’s talk about 2D Presentation .

‍ – What is considered a 2D presentation? 2D is generally a flat a flattened image which has no depth or lighting and is generally drawn or painted onto a flat surface.

In the interior design industry, floor plans, elevations, swatches, textiles are excellent examples of 2D presentation, as well as, any type of text-based presentations.

– When to use 2D presentations?

In our business, we use 2D when we’re either doing something fast or when the 2d format is what’s expected by our clients as a delivery. We use it if depth, feeling, and emotion isn’t really part of the conversation and we are conveying factual information around measurements, color, materials, swatches, and textiles. When we’re trying to quickly establish an inexpensive idea that needs to be straightforward and accurate. The software we use to create 2d presentations are Hand rendering (ink and paper), Word (lists and schedules), Photoshop (color swatches), Revit (digital drawings),

What about 2.5D presentation ?

– What is a 2.5D presentation?

2.5 d is an excellent transition between 2D and 3D. This is a presentation that is also fast, accurate and efficient but opens the viewer’s mind to help them visualize the perceived depth and overall vibe of a space. (Photographs, mood boards, design boards, paintings, perspective drawings.)

Its very effective in conveying emotion and introducing realism to a presentation. The reason we use the term 2.5 d does not have to do with the appearance, as 2.5 d many times is Photorealistic. We use this term to explain the process in which it was made as well as convey the limitations it has.

For instance, in 2.5D presentations, you cannot do a 360 camera rotation around a product or space. You cannot produce multiple views or angles of the same space (at least not in a timely manner). The view is usually locked and only intended to portray a single angle. This is an approach to presentation that offers designers and their clients a 3dimensional concept of space (realistic or otherwise) in a cost and time effective approach that can show quick variations.

– When to use 2.5D presentations?

We use 2.5D when we only need to present one or two angles of space. At the beginning of a project when we are trying to sell an idea via an abstract concept or even a highly detailed realistic single image. When it needs to be fast and may end up being something we need to throw in the garbage and offer a different look. This is where design boards come in. They can be created quickly they can show a client a realistic representation of their interior space inexpensively.

– Where does 2.5 D presentation fall short?

In 2.5 d measurements, proportions and scale can take a back seat to the conceptual nature of this approach and can be easily be misinterpreted by the artist. This is because the tools are meant to be more artistic and again speed is the name of the game.

In a case where you need accurate measured distances Heights and widths and when you need to see multiple perspectives do walkthroughs and produce plans based on the model, this is when a 3D approach is appropriate

The detailed world of 3D presentation

– What is a 3d interior presentation?

3D presentations produce some of the most realistic results and in-depth presentations available to us as interior designers. This is because 3D rendering software like Sketchup and Revit use systems and tools to measure real-world space which produces lifelike simulations of movement and lighting within a space. It’s by far the most accurate way to produce a realistic presentation. It’s also by far the most expensive, which is why its good to go through the concept phases (above) with a client before diving into 3d rendering.

– When to use 3D Interior Presentation?

Before we dive into 3d presentations we first go through the concept phase of 2D and 2.5D presentations. We want to get a very accurate idea of the space both in plan, or at-least measurements, as well as the client sign off on style and aesthetic before we even think about spending the time and money associated with a 3D presentation.

In some cases, such as when we are designing a single open space or room, we won’t even need to go into the world of 3D. However, on the flip side, when a space is dynamic and will require multiple views to be visualized, we will approach a project with our 3D workflow in mind for a final presentation.

– Limitations of 3D presentation

One of the drawbacks to using 3D is the fact that 3d modeling and texturing takes a ton of time. if you’re under a tight deadline you may be limited to using 3D libraries if you want to create quick room builds. if you have a lot of time on a project, you could model and texture all the specific products you want.

When we have projects where the clients require visualizing specific furniture from specific vendors we will almost always use Photoshop to present a space, that is unless its a huge space. On the flip side, if the job does not require specific looks of specific furniture and we can get away with using something from a 3d library that communicates the message conceptually, instead of literally, then 3D may be a better way to go.

When it comes down to it, the plan of attack you choose always comes down to the project at hand. Just because you used one approach for one project doesn’t mean you’ll want to use the same approach on the next one. The type of client, the budget, the time and the space all factor in on the call you’ll need to make.

To learn the exact workflow we use in our interior design business, join us for our upcoming workshops:

Photoshop Workflow- Perfect for developing your 2D Swatches and 2.5 D mood board and Photorealistic Design Board phases.

Sketchup and/or Revit workflows – Perfect for developing your 2d and 3D workflow with floor plans, elevations, and photo-realistic multi-view rendering.

Get started learning the basics for free with:

– Photoshop Launch,

– sketchup launch or, – revit launch...

Have any more questions? we’d love to hear from you. reply to this email and let us know whats on your mind.

Thanks for being a valued student of The Design Cure. ‍

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What is Three-Dimensional Learning?

Three-Dimensional Learning shifts the focus of the science classroom to environments where students use disciplinary core ideas, crosscutting concepts with scientific practices to explore, examine, and explain how and why phenomena occur and to design solutions to problems.

Joe Krajcik, one of the developers of the A Framework for K–12 Science Education , Next Generation Science Standards, and IQWST , has presented around the country on what makes teaching with Three-Dimensional Learning different.

Hear directly from Joe Krajcik, PhD, and download his professional learning presentations for science educators to learn more about three-dimensional learning.

Three-Dimensional Learning Professional Learning Presentations

Here is an overview presentation, along with examples from different grades and topics:

Three-Dimensional Learning Overview Presentation

Three-Dimensional Learning in Earth Science – Grade 6 Professional Learning Presentation

Three-Dimensional Learning in Biology – Grade 7 Professional Learning Presentation

Three-Dimensional Learning in Chemistry – Grade 7 Professional Learning Presentation

“Perhaps the most significant shift in the Framework for K – 12 Science Education and NGSS is that students need to makes sense of phenomena or design solutions for problems by scientific and engineering practices, disciplinary core ideas and crosscutting concepts working together. The working together of the three dimensions to make sense of phenomena and design solution to problems is referred to as 3-dimensional learning.

It represents an entirely new way of thinking about and enacting science teaching. Don’t think of the practices and crosscutting concepts in service of helping students understand the disciplinary core ideas. Rather, the three work together to help students make sense of phenomena or design solutions. Making sense of phenomena and designing solutions drives the teaching and learning process. When I taught high school chemistry I use to try my best to help students to learn important science concepts. Inquiry was always a service to help learn the content.

But the Framework and NGSS, based upon the research literature, clearly point out that you cannot learn scientific content (core ideas and crosscutting concepts) separate from engaging in the practice. Another way of expressing this is that learners best build a deeper understanding of scientific content when engaged in practices, and practices are learned best when used with scientific ideas. We learn content by engaging in practices and we learn to practice by using science content to make sense of phenomena or design solutions to the problems.

Three-Dimensional Learning should seem different to you, as it does to me. My understanding of three-dimensional learning has grown tremendously since I first started working on the Framework and on the NGSS. The NGSS and three-dimensional learning should seem different and in many respects, it should seem revolutionary.

The NGSS is structured differently from how we taught in the past and it should and will change what happens in science classrooms. Three-dimensional learning shifts the focus of the science classrooms to environments where students use disciplinary core ideas, crosscutting concepts with scientific practices to explore, examine, and explain how and why phenomena occur and to design solutions to problems.”

Additional Resources:

• NGSS: Overview of 3 Dimensions • NRC Framework describes “Integrating the Three Dimensions” • NSTA Blog: “How to Select and Design Materials that Align to the Next Generation Science Standards”

* * * * * *

Claim Evidence Reasoning Framework

Phenomenal Futures: Developing Science Identity in High School Students Using Investigative Research Projects

Reading Supports for Budding Student Scientists

3-Dimensional Learning

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Unit 11: Introduction to three dimensional geometry

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• Open access
• Published: 21 September 2022

3D optical illusion as visualisation tools in spatial planning and development

• Rafał Kaźmierczak   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-5780-8949 1 &
• Agnieszka Szczepańska   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-5184-0710 2  

Scientific Reports volume  12 , Article number:  15730 ( 2022 ) Cite this article

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Spatial planning and development use various visualisation methods. Technological advancements in visualisation techniques have allowed imaging to shift from 2 to 3D dimensions. 3D optical illusion, which converts information recorded in the digital form into a three-dimensional presentation, can be a new tool for presenting spatial development solutions. Since a optical illusion is a direct spatial presentation, it requires neither specialist preparation nor spatial imagination. For this reason, it can become an effective means of visual communication with the public in the area of spatial planning and development. This article shows an example of the imaging of a model element of spatial development (a building) using the 3D illusion technique. Collected opinions of the test group of viewers confirm the usefulness of this tool. The presented 3D visualisation effect evoked positive reactions among the viewers. The use of the hologram technique in spatial planning and development appears to be justified and is an interesting research trend.

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Introduction.

Design solutions for future spatial development, contained in planning documents, are presented in a graphical form along with a supplementary description. The conceptualisation of spatial development forms as spatial images is an integral part of spatial planning. The graphical form of these documents has been evolving strongly over recent years, shifting from 2 to 3D. Technological advancements in visualisation techniques have been reflected in different forms of presenting design solutions. This is very important from the point of view of both an average viewer of planning documents and the local lawmakers, who find the classic ways of presentation difficult to receive. Not only does this apply to the final version of these documents but also to their drafts made available to the public as part of the public consultation process. Specialist terminology and designations are hardly comprehensible, and the future functions and guidelines for spatial development methods are difficult to imagine. This is undoubtedly influenced by the perceptual limitations arising from both the lack of specialist training in urban planning and architecture and the underdeveloped spatial imagination. This leads to the so-called “paradox of participation”, which is defined by Ref. 1 , p. 125 as follows: “In early planning phases, when there is still sufficient room for decision-making, only a few citizens participate, while in late phases, when decisions can usually only be revised at great expense, a high level of public participation can be observed”. The reasons for this situation are attributed to the lack of clarity and the absence of concern due to a high level of abstraction.

Spatial planning is one of the areas that use the visualisation of spatial information. Difficulties with assimilating the content of planning documents and properly understanding them can affect the involvement in the public consultation process which, consequently, has an effect on the way the surrounding space is developed and the resulting spatial order, and ultimately on the quality of life. It is therefore very important to present design concepts, proposed spatial solutions and the ways of spatial development in a clear and comprehensible manner so that they can be interpreted correctly and unambiguously. The ease of reception of this information can translate into the quality of local legislation, the quality of planning documents and greater involvement in the planning process.

3D optical illusion which converts information recorded in a digital form into a three-dimensional presentation, can be a new tool for solving the problem of planning solution presentation clarity. This publication discusses and illustrates the possibilities of using this method for imaging the future state of spatial development. The article aims to show that 3D optical illusion presents spatial development elements in a manner that is clear and easy to receive directly. The model case presented in the article concerns a single-family residential building. The authors theorise that this method of visualisation of the spatial development elements allows viewers to make a quick and unambiguous interpretation, which may consequently translate into the rationalisation of future decisions. To verify this thesis, the opinions of the test group were collected to evaluate image perception in particular 3D illusion techniques. This enabled the identification of the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed tool and the most beneficial solutions from the viewer’s perspective.

Literature review

Spatial imagination.

Spatial thinking is indispensable in everyday life because space is a fundamental category of thought 2 , and spatial thinking plays a deep role in many aspects of human cognition. Spatial knowledge, spatial perception and spatial imagination play a crucial role in solving even the most ordinary, everyday issues 3 . The ability to think in images, to perceive the visible world accurately, and to reproduce it in the mind, is called spatial intelligence (one of the seven various types of intelligence) 4 , 5 , 6 .

Imagination is a mental process that enables the processing of imagery. As a rule, the division of imagery refers to the senses, e.g. auditory, visual and kinesthetic imaginations are distinguished on this basis 7 . Although imagery can relate to any sensual modality, visual imagery is much more common, as sight provides up to 90% of all sensations. This is why the characterisation of imagination in terms of imaginative operation forms refers most often to visual imagination, including spatial imagination 8 .

Spatial imagination is understood as the ability to create, in the mind, an image or a geometrical object that is consistent with its actual shape and location 9 . In a broader sense, spatial imagination is defined as “the ability that combines the ability to think innovatively to find new solutions with the ability to link the existing facts and phenomena” 10 , p. 30, while in a narrower (technical) sense, as “the ability to mentally manipulate, rotate, twist, or invert pictorially presented stimulus objects” 11 , p. 893. Spatial visualisation ability is also defined as a subset of spatial ability—one of the factors of human intelligence structure 12 , p. 1. A person can be said to have spatial imagination when he/she is able, based on a picture, model, or a description, to imagine, analyse and describe the shape and location of geometric objects 9 . However, this is not an ability that everybody has. Spatial imagination is an individual characteristic determined by many factors, e.g. cognitive development, spatial experiences, gender and aptitude 12 . Researchers dealing with this issue agree on the differentiation of imaginative functions depending on gender and educational profile. According to research, men have a better developed spatial imagination than women 13 . Dependence on the educational profile is also indicated, as technical education has an advantage over education in humanities in this respect. The male model is characterised in this regard by visual and spatial abilities, good manipulation of objects in space and efficient spatial thinking 14 .

Why is spatial imagination so important? In the case of spatial planning and development, it is primarily the visual senses that are incorporated into the imaginative process, and the reception of visual stimuli results in experiencing such sensations as a colour, size, or shape 15 . Graphics is a tool used to convey engineering information, including in spatial and space-representing references. In spatial planning, information concerning a future spatial development (3D) is most often provided by means of visualisation on a plane (2D), supplemented with a description. Therefore, the viewer, when receiving and processing this information, must refer to spatial imagination. Since not everybody has this ability equally developed, only physical spatial models and modern forms of graphic presentations, including 3D illusion images, require no involvement of spatial imagination as they are themselves a spatial presentation 16 —virtual environments which are perceptually “real” even though the observer knows they are unreal 17 . The vision presented in this way is the most important for any kind of understanding of space 18 , because “..good storytelling can help to clarify the implications of different alternatives, and to build consensus by presenting particular desired or feared future developments in terms meaningful enough to be credible to non-specialists” 19 , p. 1353.

Modern visualisation methods

It is our eyes and the brain that are responsible for spatial vision. Each eye sees images from a different angle, and the brain integrates them so that we interpret the image we see as spatial. On this basis, the cerebral cortex generates one image in three dimensions. A three-dimensional (3D) image, commonly referred to as an image with a depth, allows us to spatially locate the objects we can see. A completely different situation occurs when we are looking at a flat monitor screen, a sheet of paper, or a photograph, as our brain knows that these images are two-dimensional (2D) and flat. Solutions to allow our senses to be deceived have been developed for many years.

Based on our knowledge of the mechanics of sight, we are able to deceive the eyes and the brain, which results in our perception of flat images as three-dimensional. In order to achieve a three-dimensional effect based on a flat view, a different image must be provided to each eye. Most 3D technologies are based on this assumption. Two basic paths can be distinguished in them, namely, learning how to see spatially with the help of images generated in a special way or using specialised glasses for this purpose 20 .

Since a realistic 3D presentation is much more appealing to amateurs 21 , new solutions are being sought in this regard. Therefore, with the development of computer visualisation techniques, they are being incorporated into the process of drawing up planning documents. This has resulted in the emergence of a new form of spatial planning, referred to as e-planning using e-participation 22 . This concerns augmented reality—AR 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 and virtual reality—VR 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 . These techniques are increasingly used in planning work to visualise the future states of spatial development. They are used to present various options of the transformations occurring in the space as part of public consultations. Another tool that can be used for this purpose is a 3D visualization colloquially called hologram 42 .

The definition of holography as a field of science and technology is widely known and most successfully reflected in the state standard of Russia 43 , which states that “holography is a branch of science and technology that studies the processes of recording, processing and reproducing information contained in in the parameters of physically realizable or mathematically described waves, using the phenomena of interference and diffraction of optical reference and object waves, as well as the possibility of practical application of these processes”. Only interference registration and diffraction recovery processes give the physical effect that Dennis Gabor called holography (full recording) 44 . The same was confirmed by the work of other founders of this science—Denisyuk 45 and Leith and Upatnieks 46 . Lee et al. 47 , p. 10 defined a hologram as “an optical technology that records and reconstructs wavefronts of light analogously or digitally, and has exhibited potential for use in next‐generation imaging technology with various applications such as three‐dimensional holographic imaging and optical data storage”. Holographic technology allows to restore a wavefront that repeats the wavefront scattered by an object, with an accuracy of up to a wavelength, which cannot be obtained by any of the other methods of restoring 3D images. That is why holography is the basis of such a uniquely accurate measurement method as holographic interferometry. It is the ability to restore an image with an accuracy of fractions of a wavelength that is a unique property of holographic technologies, which can also be used to restore 3D images, which for the most part do not require such accuracy and can be restored by other methods.

From the point of view of these studies, the properties of the hologram are important: “holograms can reproduce very realistic three-dimensional (3D) images that satisfy all depth cues in the 3D perception of human vision without any special observation devices” 48 , p. 9087 and “holographic 3D display is thought to be the “holy grail” of 3D display technology because it is able to present truthfully a virtual window of a 3D real-world scene with all characteristics of real-world objects” 49 , p. 508. Because the hologram gives the possibility of creating the viewing environment conforming to a natural viewing condition 50 the name hologram has been adapted to some 3D visualization optical illusion and now the “errors” in the language are embedded in society 42 . Therefore, in the common understanding of holography is best known as a method of generating three-dimensional images. Both hologram technique and 3D optical illusion (commonly known as a hologram) are applied inter alia in education 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 ; medicine 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 , biotechnological sciences and industry 59 , 60 , 61 , marketing 62 , 63 , 64 , 65 , microscopy 66 , 67 , protection equipment 68 , 69 , and holographic cinema, television 70 .

The development of modern technologies is the result of another technological transformation. The world is shifting from an analogue economy to industry 4.0. This term describes the technological and organisational transformation of companies which, thanks to new technologies, inter alia digitise their products and services. The main idea behind industry 4.0 involves integrating people, information technologies and digitally controlled machines through the Internet. The ongoing changes are possible thanks to artificial intelligence algorithms, the Internet of Things (IoT), the 5G networks under construction, or, in the future, 6G networks. It is the IoT that ensures the efficient flow of information and enables further dynamic development of new technologies based, inter alia , in virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), which allows the definition of the Internet of Senses (IoS) to be introduced. It is full automation that allows technology to interact with other senses of sight, hearing, taste and touch 71 .

The vision of the Internet of Senses is starting to come to fruition. One of its necessary steps is the generation of digital twins. The concept of a digital twin involves creating a virtual copy of a physical object and updating it in real-time. A digital twin is an exact representation of the features and behaviour of a physical object or a process 72 . The concept of digital twins can find its application in spatial planning. In addition to virtual reality and augmented reality, it is 3D optical illusion that can also be used for the visualisation of digital spatial development models.

Methodology

To demonstrate the possibility of using 3D optical illusion to present the future condition of spatial development elements, the visualisation of a single-family residential building was performed using a variety of 3D illusion techniques. The results of 3D visualization were presented using different techniques and 25 students were asked to evaluate them.

Below, the basic phenomena related to the principles of operation of solutions available on the advertising market under the following colloquially names hologram: holographic pyramid, polarising filters and applied LED hologram, are described. The holographic pyramid and the LED hologram are based primarily on the optical illusion of the observer.

The portion of electromagnetic radiation perceived by the retina of the human eye is commonly referred to as light, and the science that studies this issue is called optics. The concept of a light ray is a fundamental concept related to geometrical optics and is explained as a very narrow beam of light. The most important physical phenomena related to light include diffraction, fluorescence, phosphorescence, interference, luminescence, reflection, wave polarisation, rectilinear propagation of waves, light scattering, dispersion, sonoluminescence, colour temperature, stereoscopic vision, colour rendering index, refraction and the photoelectric effect. As regards the principle of optical illusion operation, the most important is the theorem of rectilinear propagation of light, which describes the general principle of the direction of light propagation, light reflection and refraction, and its polarisation 73 . The first of the above-mentioned physical phenomena is primarily used for visualisations based, for example, on special pyramids that reflect the projected image. The physical phenomenon of polarisation also finds application in the practical use of polarising filters designed to absorb polarised light. Polarising filters are most commonly used in sunglasses. As far as holograms are concerned, such filters enable stereoscopic projections. By putting on special glasses with polarising filters, an effect of spatial immersion is obtained. The final technique uses a propeller rotating faster than the human eye can see, which enables the creation of a 3D image floating in the air.

Holographic pyramid

The principle of displaying an object using a pyramid colloquially named holographic is very simple and based on the laws described in the previous section. The main components of the pyramid include a projection screen (which can be mounted above the pyramid) and the pyramid itself, which is constructed from a thin transparent material (preferably 1 mm thick PET plastic). A logic diagram of the principle of pyramid operation is shown in Fig.  1 .

Components of a holographic pyramid ( a ) and the principle of virtual image formation in a plane mirror ( b ). Source own study.

When using the laws related to the virtual image formation in a plane mirror to construct the pyramid, a virtual, simple image of the same size is obtained. This is possible due to the fact that the mirror surface is perfectly flat and the rays of light incident on it also remain parallel after reflection. A virtual image is formed when the extensions of reflected rays intersect. This is why a faithfully represented image is obtained in a mirror. This phenomenon is illustrated in Fig.  1 in part ‘b’.

When creating a holographic pyramid, it should be noted that:

The material used to construct the pyramid should be approx. 1 mm thick, as too thick a material will result in a double view. On a thick wall, a ray of light is subject to double refraction, which results in a blurred image.

The inclination of the pyramid walls in relation to the projection screen must be the same. Different angles can make the object being displayed smaller or larger.

Polarising filters/3D glasses

Anaglyph glasses use the oldest technique that allows a three-dimensional effect to be obtained. In this technique, a different image is delivered to each eye. Two superimposed images in two different colours (red and blue), slightly offset from each other, are generated on the monitor screen (Fig.  2 a). The glasses have appropriately coloured lenses, one is red and the other blue. Each lens of the glasses blocks out blue or red light rays, and, thanks to this procedure, after putting the glasses on, each eye sees a different photograph, which gives an impression of depth. Without the anaglyph glasses put on, an anaglyph photograph looks like a blurred image. The limitation of this technique is the limited colour scheme 74 , 75 .

3D visualisations using the hologram technique: ( a ) anaglyph, ( b ) polarising filters, ( c ) 3D matrix. Source own study.

Another example of the glasses are passive 3D glasses. The principle of their operation is based on polarisation stereoscopy. In this case, two different images are delivered to the eyes as well but using a completely different method. In order to generate the three-dimensional effect, special monitors or two still projectors with polarising filters with the light polarisation directions perpendicular to each other are used (Fig.  2 b). As a result, two horizontally positioned lines are polarised clockwise and anti-clockwise. The user’s glasses also have polarising filters installed, so that the eye receives images of the same resolution, offset from each other. A specially adjusted image is delivered to each eye. Using this method, a high-quality image that can also be viewed at different angles is obtained 76 .

A third example of 3D glasses are shutter glasses, also known as active glasses. In order to achieve the depth effect, it is necessary to synchronise liquid crystal shutter glasses, a powerful graphics card in a computer and a monitor with a high refresh rate (at least 120 Hz). The principle of operation involves displaying two different images alternately on the monitor screen at a very high frequency (120 times per second). The use of active glasses allows these images to be extracted and delivered individually to each eye. Synchronisation of the glasses with the display allows the left and right eye to be alternately dimmed so that the observer believes that he/she can see the image in 3D (Fig.  2 c). This method produces a very realistic image with no colour limitations.

3D matrices

One of the possibilities for spatial vision is also the use of special matrices that enable 3D vision without the need to wear special glasses. In this case, it is the monitor screen that displays a different image to each eye. These are usually autostereoscopic 3D TV sets, either equipped with two LCD matrices or displaying half the pixels for one eye and the other half the pixels for another eye. This is a complex technology whose main limitation is the small angle of view, and the required short distance between the observer and the monitor 77 , 78 .

LED hologram

The principle of LED hologram operation is based on a rotating arm on which an LED strip is placed. Due to the rapid rotation of the arm (Fig.  3 a), the human eye can see a complete object being displayed (Fig.  3 b). Before displaying the object (or an animation with the object), the area of the film being displayed, which coincides with the LED strip length, needs to be defined. A part of the image or film being displayed is assigned to individual LEDs. A necessary factor for obtaining a 3D effect is the need for the object being displayed to move. A limitation of this display method is the correlation of the rotating arm and the positions of individual diodes with the animation being displayed. Another major limitation is the range of colours that can be displayed, which corresponds to the LED strip colours. In the final outcome, a streaky effect caused by the rotation of the hologram arm can be observed.

Diagram of LED hologram operation: ( a ) LED hologram elements, ( b ) general operation diagram. Source own study.

Authors confirm that informed consent was obtained from all survey studies participants. Survey studies were carried out in accordance with relevant guidelines and regulations, in an anonymous manner such that the information cannot be traced back to the individual user. The survey studies were approved by Research Ethics Committee.

When using the 3D visualisation technique described above, a single-family house, i.e. an element of spatial development, was imaged. The first imaging used the holographic pyramid technique. In order to display a 3D image, a visualisation of a single-family house was prepared in the first stage. The visualisation was a film showing the object from the bird’s-eye perspective, with smooth transitions, rotations and different view perspectives. In order to display the object correctly, its proportions on the projection screen needed to be correctly selected. It should also be remembered that only the object itself should be displayed, preferably against a black or very dark background. The removal of background (e.g. the sky) better reveals the advantages of the presented object while enhancing the obtained depth effect.

The animation prepared in this way was displayed in four planes pointing with the top towards the centre of the monitor, which coincided with the pyramid top. Due to such a visualisation, the wall of the house was visible on each of the four pyramid walls. In this case, the mutual synchronisation of the four walls being displayed was very important, as it allowed the observer, moving around the platform with the holographic pyramid, to smoothly observe the object being shown. The results of the holographic pyramid use are provided in Fig.  4 .

Visualisation of a single-family house using a 3D holographic pyramid. Source own study.

Another imaging of the same single-family house was prepared using the technology applying 3D glasses. To this end, the Holo-SDK environment was used ( https://www.holo-sdk.com/ —access on 26-10-2021). This is a holographic software development kit (SDK) which is compatible with every laptop and PC. The main idea behind the SDK is to display a hologram based on the tools and algorithms that track the viewer’s head position. In this way, the generated image is personalised and determined by the observer’s head position. This environment enables the rendering of objects as red-and-blue images for the Anaglyph 3D mode or in the side-by-side format for both passive and active 3D displays. The Head-tracking 3D function enables real-time tracking of the user’s head position and rendering of scenes depending on the viewing angle. The observer obtains a 3D effect, and the image changes its positions during the observation. The final effect of the operation of this environment is shown in Fig.  5 . This solution uses separate colour coding for the left and the right eye. Combinations of blue and red are the most common for the anaglyph glasses, and these particular glasses were used. An image is displayed for the observer on a standard monitor, and after putting on the glasses, he/she obtains (depending on the position of the head) a 3D effect of the object.

Diagram of Holo-SDK operation from the observer’s perspective. Source own study.

Figure  5 shows the effect of head position in relation to the monitor and the resulting view. Leaning the head in any direction makes the object lean in the opposite direction. Hence, we obtain the effect of looking into what is happening on the side of the object while at the same time looking at the object as if it were a 3D spatial object. In addition to using the Anaglyph 3D visualisations, the Holo-SDK environment enables the use of both active and passing 3D solutions. In order to operate, these solutions require specialised monitors and glasses, which allows the observer’s sensations to be changed.

For the third visualisation of the building, an LED hologram was used. As previously mentioned, the operating principle of the device is based on a rotating arm on which an LED strip is placed (Fig.  6 a,b). Due to the rapid rotation of the arm (Fig.  6 e–h), the human eye can see a complete object being displayed (Fig.  6 d). Before displaying an object or an animation with an object, the area of the film being displayed (which coincided with the LED strip length) was defined (Fig.  6 c). During one epoch (t 0 ) of image or film display, one square from the image on the photograph (Fig.  6 d) is assigned to each single LED (Fig.  6 i). In this way, knowing the location of the arm and the location of a single LED in relation to the image, the appropriate display colour can be assigned to the set time (ti) (Fig.  6 j–l). The essence of clearly displaying an object is to properly prepare the input file for display. It is important to note that the object should be placed in the centre and that the background of the object should remain black. Adding motion animation, i.e. rotation and zooming, produces a spatial effect. The observer sees the object located in the air, and its motion creates a 3D effect. When an object animation is displayed on single LEDs, the assigned view from the animation will change depending on the moment of animation (Fig.  6 m–p). Figure  6 q,r show two photographs for different display times. The photograph captures and shows the location of the arm’s movement, but when the image is perceived by the organ of sight, the image is virtually complete.

Visualisation of a single-family house in an LED FAN hologram: ( a ) LED FAN hologram; ( b ) direction of the arm’s rotation; ( c ) object display area; ( d ) the object being displayed with a network of squares; ( e–h ) animation of movement depending on the observation epoch; ( i–l ) object display logic; ( m ) legend; ( n–p ) single LEDs with different colours displayed; ( q,r ) different visualisation epochs. Source own study.

Discussion and conclusions

In order to examine the trends related to the possibilities of presenting planned spatial solutions using three-dimensional visualisation, the Web of Science database was analysed with respect to two keywords: Visualisation 3D and Hologram 3D. In both cases, studies from the period of 1900–2021 were considered. When carrying out the literature review, the authors followed the “from the general to the specific” principle. For the term “Visualisation 3D”, there were approx. 26,000 studies in the database, which contained 62,256 keywords, of which 4744 keywords were accepted for the visualisation presented below (only those that appeared at least five times were left). Figure  7 shows the analysis of keywords in filtered studies for the keyword “Visualisation 3D”.

Analysis of keywords using the VOSviewer program (Holo-SDK 1.0 in Unity, https://www.holo-sdk.com/ ) for the keyword “Visualisation 3D”. Source own study.

The overall analysis shows a strong link between 3D visualisation and simulation, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR). In this area, the most frequently appearing keyword according to the “Total link strength” criterion (total link strength attributes indicate, respectively, the number of links on an item with other items, and the total strength of the links of an item with other items) was visualisation (Table 1 ).

In the presented figure, the size of the label shows the greater weight of a keyword in the analysed publications. The colour of the element is determined by the cluster. The lines between labels correspond to the network of relationships, and the distances between the labels inform about the relatedness of the concepts. Detailed instructions for graphical interpretation are provided in the VOSviewer Manual 79 .

A similar compilation was performed for the keyword Hologram 3D. Approx. 2000 studies were analysed. All of the analysed studies contained 5129 keywords, of which 419 were selected for visualisation. A general map for the keywords is shown in Fig.  8 .

Analysis of keywords in the VOSviewer program (Holo-SDK 1.0 in Unity, https://www.holo-sdk.com/ ) for the keyword “Hologram 3D”. Source own study.

In this area, the most common keywords were “digital holography” and “reconstruction” (Table 2 ).

Taking into account the two conducted analyses of scientific articles, keywords related to spatial planning and development as well as real estate appeared in a larger set searched for the keyword “Visualisation 3D” (Table 3 ). In the second dataset (the keyword searched for: “hologram 3D”), no similar keywords related to the area of spatial planning and development were found.

The conducted literature review shows that linking a “hologram” to spatial development is still a new issue. Descriptions concerning the use of a LED hologram and pyramid hologram for spatial development presentation are not found in the literature, and the authors believe that they may prove useful for visualising the proposed spatial development. This was confirmed by the feelings of 25 students who were presented the results of visualisation prepared using different 3D visualization techniques and asked to evaluate them. According to them, the greatest value of a hologram is the direct, eyewitness observation that provides an immediate idea of the future condition of the space and the elements of its development. Until now, most people have associated holograms mainly with applications in advertisements and the entertainment industry. The respondents submitted the following opinions and comments:

The reception of each of the selected technologies varied, yet at the same time, each observer stated clearly that it was a considerably better form of presentation than the classical 2D forms.

All methods were attractive, with the LED technology-based method being the most highly rated.

This was a completely new visualisation technique for them, not previously encountered in the areas of spatial planning and development.

In order to intensify the experience, it was proposed to integrate the image and sound, which, according to the respondents, would further change the level of reception (stronger impact on the observer).

It should be stressed that, despite the unambiguously positive reception of the presented technologies, each of the described and applied methods for “tricking the mind” has its advantages and disadvantages. A holographic pyramid requires no additional equipment from the viewer. The size of the device can be regarded as a disadvantage, since the larger the pyramid, the larger the resulting image. In order to generate a spatial effect, animation in motion should be used, preferably without a background surrounding the object. This significantly limits the presentation of the surrounding space. At the same time, it is important to ensure that the hologram is positioned in a shaded area, as this will result in better reception of the image.

Similarly, when using an LED hologram, the unwanted elements of the background need to be removed. Moreover, to obtain a 3D effect, it is necessary for the object being displayed to be in motion. There are limitations to displaying an object in this case as well. When using a display technology, particular attention should be paid to the occupational health and safety (OHS) rules. The observer needs to maintain a safe distance from the rotating arm, which results in limitations related to the location of such an LED hologram in a room.

The major advantages of anaglyph glasses include a low price (widespread availability) and their compatibility with any display (computer, TV, tablet, smartphone) after the image processing. The disadvantages of this solution include unnatural colours (with red and turquoise colours showing through) and the somewhat unnatural 3D effect. Alternatively, relatively inexpensive passive glasses can be used, but they are also characterised by not very good visual quality. A good, but the most expensive solution, are active glasses offering the possibility of receiving high-resolution images. In addition, these glasses require charging.

Surveys conducted on a group of respondents confirmed that the presented 3D visualisation techniques evoked positive emotions. Despite the above-mentioned limitations, it must be underlined that the 3D visualisation effect evokes positive reactions among viewers and, what is very important, that the hologram technique requires no specialist training or well-developed spatial imagination. This results in a situation where everybody can be an active observer. This technique bridges the gap in imaginative capacity between women and men, between people with specialist training and laypeople, between people using modern technologies and those digitally excluded, etc. In a word, this is a way of 3D visualisation for everybody. It should be noted that the technique is still developing and that spatial planning and development must respond to technological advancements because future adults may not be able to read 2D visualisations. Given that no specialist training is required for this presentation method, it can be a very effective means of visual communication with the public (rationalisation of decisions through an unambiguous reading of the visualisation, as there is no room for interpretation of the presented object).

In conclusion, the use of 3D optical illusion (colloquially called a hologram) in spatial planning and development appears to be justified and is an interesting research trend.

Data availability

All data generated or analysed during this study are included in this published article.

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• Math Article

Three Dimensional Shapes

In geometry, three-dimensional shapes or 3D shapes are solids that have three dimensions such as length, width and height. Whereas 2d shapes have only two dimensions, i.e. length and width. Examples of three-dimensional objects can be seen in our daily life such as cone-shaped ice cream, cubical box, a ball, etc. Students will come across different 3D shapes models in Maths.

Geometry is one of the practical sections of Mathematics that involves various shapes and sizes of different figures and their properties. Geometry can be divided into two types: plane and solid geometry . Plane geometry deals with flat shapes like lines, curves, polygons, etc., that can be drawn on a piece of paper. On the other hand, solid geometry involves objects of three-dimensional shapes such as cylinders, cubes, spheres, etc. In this article, we are going to learn different 3D shapes models in Maths such as cube, cuboid, cylinder, sphere and so on along with its definitions, properties, formulas and examples in detail.

Table of Contents:

• Three Dimensional Shapes Definition

Faces, Edges and Vertices

• 3D Shapes Model in Maths
• Surface Area and Volume Formulas
• Video Lessons
• Practice Questions

What are Three-Dimensional Shapes?

Shapes that can be measured in 3 directions are called three-dimensional shapes. These shapes are also called solids. Length, width, and height (or depth or thickness) are the three measurements of three-dimensional shapes. These are the part of three-dimensional geometry . They are different from 2D shapes because they have thickness. Several examples can be found in everyday life. Some of them are:

Solid Shapes in Maths

In Mathematics, the three-dimensional objects having depth, width and height are called solid shapes. Let us consider a few shapes to learn about them. You can find many examples of solid shapes around you, such as a mobile, notebook or almost everything you can see around is a solid shape.

Faces, Edges, and Vertices of Three Dimensional Shapes

Three-dimensional shapes have many attributes, such as vertices, faces, and edges. The flat surfaces of the 3D shapes are called faces. The line segment where two faces meet is called an edge. A vertex is a point where three edges meet.

Also, read: Vertices, Edges and Faces

List of Three-dimensional Shapes

The list of three-dimensional shapes are as follows:

Here, we are going to discuss the list of different three-dimensional shapes with their properties and the formulas of different 3D shapes.

A cube is a solid or three-dimensional shape which has 6 square faces. The cube has the following properties.

• All edges are equal

A cuboid is also called a rectangular prism, where the faces of the cuboid are a rectangle in shape. All the angles measure 90 degrees. The cuboid has

A prism is a 3D shape which consists of two equal ends, flat surfaces or faces, and also has identical cross-section across its length. Since the cross-section looks like a triangle, the prism is generally called a triangular prism. The prism does not have any curve. Also, a prism has

• 5 faces – 2 triangles and 3 rectangles

A pyramid a solid shape, whose outer faces are triangular and meet to a single point on the top. The pyramid base can be of any shape such as triangular, square, quadrilateral or in the shape of any polygon. The most commonly used type of a pyramid is the square pyramid, i.e., it has a square base and four triangular faces. Consider a square pyramid, it has

A cylinder is defined as a three-dimensional geometrical figure which has two circular bases connected by a curved surface. A cylinder has

• 2 flat faces – circles
• 1 curved face

A cone is a three-dimensional object or solid, which has a circular base and has a single vertex. The cone is a geometrical figure that decreases smoothly from the circular flat base to the top point called the apex. A cone has

• 1 flat face – circle

A sphere is a three-dimensional solid figure which is perfectly round in shapes and every point on its surface is equidistant from the point is called the center. The fixed distance from the center of the sphere is called a radius of the sphere. A sphere has

Three-dimensional Shapes related Articles

3d shapes model in maths project.

If you know what three-dimensional shapes are, it would be easy for you to build a 3 d shapes models in Maths such as projects  for constructing a house or a building. This would be easy for the students to make as they can measure the rooms easily. Rest all they need is cardboard, glue, scissors and art supplies to make it look exactly like a mini house or building.

Surface Area and Volume of 3D shapes

The two distinct measures used for defining the 3D shapes are:

• Surface Area

Surface Area  is defined as the total area of the surface of the three-dimensional object.  It is denoted as “SA”. The surface area is measured in terms of square units. The three different classifications of surface area are defined below. They are:

• Curved Surface Area (CSA) is the area of all the curved regions
• Lateral Surface Area (LSA) is the area of all the curved regions and all the flat surfaces excluding base areas
• Total Surface Area (TSA) is the area of all the surfaces including the base of a 3D object

Volume  is defined as the total space occupied by the three-dimensional shape or solid object. The volume is denoted as “V”. It is measured in terms of cubic units.

Learn more about the three-dimensional shapes with BYJU’S – The Learning App. Download the app today and start practice.

Video Lesson

Solid shapes.

Nets of Solid Shapes

To know about nets of solid shapes, watch the below video:.

Three Dimensional Shapes Examples (Solved problems)

Find the volume of a cube if its side length is 6 cm.

Given: Side length, a = 6 cm.

We know that the volume of cube = a 3  cubic units.

Hence, V = 6 3 = 216 cm 3

Hence, the volume of a cube is 216 cm 3 .

Example 2:  

Find the total surface area of a sphere, whose radius is 3 cm. Use (π = 3.14)

Given: Radius, r = 3 cm.

The formula to calculate the total surface area of a sphere is given by:

TSA of Sphere = 4πr² Square units

TSA of sphere = 4(3.14)(3) 2 cm 2

TSA of Sphere = 113.04 cm 2 .

Hence, the total surface area of a sphere is 113.04 cm 2 .

Example 3:  

Find the volume of a cuboid, whose dimensions is 4cm × 6 cm × 12 cm.

Given cuboid dimensions = 4cm × 6 cm × 12 cm

We know that the volume of a cuboid is lbh cubic units.

Hence, Volume of cuboid  = (4)(6)(12)  cm 3 .

V = 288 cm 3

Therefore, the volume of the cuboid is 288 cm 3 .

Practice Question on 3D Shapes Models in Maths

Solve the following problems on 3D shapes:

• Find the volume of a cylinder whose radius is 4 cm and height is 8 cm.
• Find the volume of a cone whose radius is 5 cm and height is 9 cm.
• Find the volume of a pyramid whose base area is 126 cm 2 and height is 10 cm.

Frequently Asked Questions on Three Dimensional Shapes

What are the three dimensional shapes, what are the different types of three dimensional shapes, is square a three dimensional shape, what is a three dimensional round shape object called, what are the examples of three dimensional shapes.

Put your understanding of this concept to test by answering a few MCQs. Click ‘Start Quiz’ to begin!

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3D shapes are solids that consist of 3 dimensions - length, breadth (width), and height. 3D in the word 3D shapes means three-dimensional. Every 3D geometric shape occupies some space based on its dimensions and we can see many 3D shapes all around us in our day-to-day life. Some examples of 3D shapes are cube, cuboid, cone, and cylinder.

What are 3D Shapes?

3D shapes are solid shapes or objects that have three dimensions (which are length, width, and height), as opposed to two-dimensional objects which have only a length and a width. Other important terms associated with 3D geometric shapes are faces, edges, and vertices. They have depth and so they occupy some volume. Some 3D shapes have their bases or cross-sections as 2D shapes. For example, a cube has all its faces in the shape of a square. Let us now learn about each 3-dimensional shape (3D shape) in detail. 3D shapes are classified into several categories. Some of them have curved surfaces; some are in the shape of pyramids or prisms.

Real-Life Examples of 3D Geometric Shapes

In mathematics, we study 3-dimensional objects in the concept of solids and try to apply them in real life. Some real-life examples of 3D shapes are shown below which are a soccer ball, a cube, a bucket, and a book.

Types of 3D Shapes

There are many 3 dimensional shapes (3D shapes) that have different bases, volumes, and surface areas. Let us discuss each one of them.

A sphere is round in shape. It is a 3D geometric shape that has all the points on its surface that are equidistant from its center. Our planet Earth resembles a sphere, but it is not a sphere. The shape of our planet is a spheroid. A spheroid resembles a sphere but the radius of a spheroid from the center to the surface is not the same at all points. Some important characteristics of a sphere are as follows.

• It is shaped like a ball and is perfectly symmetrical.
• It has a radius , diameter , circumference, volume, and surface area.
• Every point on the sphere is at an equal distance from the center.
• It has one face, no edges, and no vertices.
• It is not a polyhedron since it does not have flat faces.

Cube and Cuboid

Cube and cuboid are three-dimensional shapes (3D shapes) that have the same number of faces, vertices, and edges. The main difference between a cube and a cuboid is that in a cube, all its six faces are squares and in a cuboid, all its six faces are rectangles. A cube and a cuboid occupy different volumes and have different surface areas. The length, width, and height of a cube are the same, while for a cuboid, length, height, and width are different.

A cylinder is a 3D shape that has two circular faces, one at the top and one at the bottom, and one curved surface. A cylinder has a height and a radius. The height of a cylinder is the perpendicular distance between the top and bottom faces. Some important features of a cylinder are listed below.

• It has one curved face.
• The shape stays the same from the base to the top.
• It is a three-dimensional object with two identical ends that are either circular or oval .
• A cylinder in which both the circular bases lie on the same line is called a right cylinder. A cylinder in which one base is placed away from another is called an oblique cylinder.

A cone is another three-dimensional shape (3D shape) that has a flat base (which is of circular shape) and a pointed tip at the top. The pointed end at the top of the cone is called 'Apex'. A cone also has a curved surface. Similar to a cylinder, a cone can also be classified as a right circular cone and an oblique cone.

• A cone has a circular or oval base with an apex (vertex).
• A cone is a rotated triangle.
• Based on how the apex is aligned to the center of the base, a right cone or an oblique cone is formed.
• A cone in which the apex (or the pointed tip) is perpendicular to the base is called a right circular cone. A cone in which the apex lies anywhere away from the center of the base is called an oblique cone.
• A cone has a height and a radius. Apart from the height, a cone has a slant height, which is the distance between the apex and any point on the circumference of the circular base of the cone.

A torus is a 3D shape. It is formed by revolving a smaller circle of radius (r) around a larger circle with a bigger radius (R) in a three-dimensional space.

• A torus is a regular ring, shaped like a tire or doughnut.
• It has no edges or vertices.

A pyramid is a polyhedron with a polygon base and an apex with straight edges and flat faces. Based on their apex alignment with the center of the base, they can be classified into regular and oblique pyramids.

• A pyramid with a triangular base is called a Tetrahedron .
• A pyramid with a quadrilateral base is called a square pyramid.
• A pyramid with the base of a pentagon is called a pentagonal pyramid .
• A pyramid with the base of a regular hexagon is called a hexagonal pyramid .

Prisms are solids with identical polygon ends and flat parallelogram sides. Some of the characteristics of a prism are:

• It has the same cross-section all along its length.
• The different types of prisms are - triangular prisms, square prisms, pentagonal prisms, hexagonal prisms, and so on.
• Prisms are also broadly classified into regular prisms and oblique prisms.

Now, let us learn about 3-dimensional shapes that are platonic solids.

Polyhedrons

A polyhedron is a 3D shape that has polygonal faces like (triangle, square, hexagon) with straight edges and vertices. It is also called a platonic solid. There are five regular polyhedrons. A regular polyhedron means that all the faces are the same. For example, a cube has all its faces in the shape of a square. Some more examples of regular polyhedrons are given below:

• A Tetrahedron has four equilateral-triangular faces.
• An Octahedron has eight equilateral-triangular faces.
• A Dodecahedron has twelve regular pentagon faces.
• An Icosahedron has twenty equilateral-triangular faces.
• A Cube has six square faces.

Properties of 3D Shapes

Every 3D shape has some properties which help us to identify them easily. Let us discuss each of them briefly.

3D Shapes Formulas

As discussed, all 3 Dimensional shapes have a surface area and volume. The surface area is the area covered by the 3D shape at the bottom, top, and all the faces including the curved surfaces, if any. Volume is defined as the amount of space occupied by a 3D shape. Every three-dimensional shape (3D shape) has different surface areas and volumes. The following table shows different 3D shapes and their formulas.

3D Shapes - Faces Edges Vertices

As mentioned earlier, 3D shapes and objects are different from 2D shapes and objects because of the presence of the three dimensions - length, width (breadth), and height. As a result of these three dimensions, these objects have faces, edges, and vertices. Observe the figure given below to identify the face, vertex, and edge of a 3D shape.

• A face refers to any single flat or curved surface of a solid object.
• 3D shapes can have more than one face.
• An edge is a line segment on the boundary joining one vertex (corner point) to another.
• They serve as the junction of two faces.
• A point where two or more lines meet is called a vertex.
• It is a corner.
• The point of intersection of edges denotes the vertices.

The following table shows the faces, edges, and vertices of a few 3-dimensional shapes (3D shapes).

3D Shapes Nets

We can understand the three-dimensional shapes and their properties by using nets. A 2-dimensional shape that can be folded to form a 3-dimensional object is known as a geometrical net. A solid may have different nets. In simple words, the net is an unfolded form of a 3D figure. Observe the following figure to see the nets that are folded to make a 3D shape.

☛ Related Topics:

• Closed Shapes
• Plane Shapes
• Visualizing Solid Shapes

Cuemath is one of the world's leading math learning platforms that offers LIVE 1-to-1 online math classes for grades K-12 . Our mission is to transform the way children learn math, to help them excel in school and competitive exams. Our expert tutors conduct 2 or more live classes per week, at a pace that matches the child's learning needs.

3D Shapes Examples

Example 1: State true or false using the properties of 3D shapes.

a.) 3D shapes are solid shapes or objects that usually have three dimensions - length, width, and height.

b.) 3D shapes are also called solid shapes.

c.) A 2d shape that can be folded to form a 3-dimensional object is known as a geometrical net.

a.) True, 3D shapes are solid shapes or objects that usually have three dimensions - length, width, and height.

b.) True, 3D shapes are also called solid shapes.

c.) True, a 2d shape that can be folded to form a 3-dimensional object is known as a geometrical net.

Example 2: Find the surface area of a cuboid of length 3 units, width 4 units, and height 5 units.

Given that, length of the cuboid = 3 units, width of the cuboid = 4 units, height of the cuboid = 5 units

Surface area of the cuboid is 2 × (lw + wh + lh) square units = 2 × (lw + wh + lh) = 2[(3 × 4) + (4 × 5) + (3 × 5)] = 2(12 + 20 + 15) = 2(47) = 94 square units. Therefore, the surface area of the cuboid is 94 square units.

Example 3: Megan wants to drink milk from a glass that is in the shape of a cylinder. The height of the glass is 15 units and the radius of the base is 3 units. What is the quantity (volume) of milk that she requires to fill the glass completely?

Given that, the height of the glass = 15 units and the radius of the base = 3 units.

To find the volume of the glass, we need to use the formula for the volume of a cylinder, which is πr 2 h cubic units.

The volume of the glass, V = πr 2 h V = π × (3 2 ) × 15 V = π × 135 V = 423.9 cubic units.

Therefore, she needs approximately 424 cubic units of milk to fill her glass.

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Practice Questions on 3D Shapes

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FAQs on 3D Shapes

A shape or a solid that has three dimensions is called a 3D shape. 3D shapes have faces, edges, and vertices. They have a surface area that includes the area of all their faces. The space occupied by these shapes gives their volume . Some examples of 3D shapes are cube, cuboid, cone, cylinder. We can see many real-world objects around us that resemble a 3D shape. For example, a book, a birthday hat, a coke tin are some real-life examples of 3D shapes.

What is a Face, Edge, and a Vertex in a 3D Shape?

A very important feature of a 3D shape is its face, vertex, and edge. Generally, the face of a 3D shape is a polygon-shaped flat surface. A 3D shape has more than one face except for a sphere. A vertex is a sharp-pointed corner. Edge is a line segment or the distance between two adjacent vertices of a 3D shape. Different 3D shapes have different numbers of faces, vertices, and edges. For example, a cube is a 3D shape that has 6 faces, 12 edges, and 8 vertices.

Does a 3D Geometric Shape Only Have a Flat Surface?

No, a 3D shape may have flat surfaces as well as curved surfaces. For example, a cone and a cylinder, have flat surfaces of a circle as well as curved surfaces.

What is the Difference Between 2D and 3D Shapes?

The differences between a 2D shape and a 3D shape are given as follows.

• 2D shapes have a length and a width, whereas, 3D shapes have a length, a width, and a height.
• 2D shapes have an area, they do not occupy any volume, whereas 3D shapes have a surface area and a volume.
• Examples of 2D shapes are triangle , square , rectangle , and examples of 3D shapes are cube, cuboid, prism.

What is the Surface Area and Volume of a 3D Shape?

Surface area means the area of all the individual faces of the 3D shape. All the 3D shapes have some depth. The space inside a 3D shape is called its volume.

What is the Difference Between Lateral Surface Area and Curved Surface Area of a 3D Shape?

Lateral surface area means the area of all the surfaces of the 3D shape excluding the top and the bottom surfaces. The curved surface area includes the area of only the curved surface in a 3D shape. For example, a cube has 6 flat faces. Its lateral surface area includes the area of all 4 faces excluding the top and the bottom face. A cylinder has two flat faces and one curved surface. So its curved surface area is the area of the curved part between the top and bottom faces which are circular in shape.

Which 3D Shape has No Flat Face, Edge, or Vertex but Only One Curved Surface?

A sphere is a 3D shape that has no flat face, edges, or vertices. It has only one curved surface. The surface area of a sphere is calculated with the help of the formula, Surface area of sphere = 4 πr 2 . A torus is another shape that does not have a flat face, edge, or vertex. It is in the shape of a ring. It is formed by revolving a smaller circle around a larger circle in a three-dimensional space.

What are the Common Properties of 3D Geometric Shapes?

The common properties of 3D shapes are as follows.

• 3D shapes have a length, width, and height. A sphere is exceptional as it does not have these three dimensions, but it extends in three directions.
• 3D shapes may or may not have faces, vertices, edges, and curved surfaces.
• The faces of most of the 3D shapes are polygons like a triangle, square, rectangle.

What can a 3D Shape also be Called?

In geometry , a three-dimensional shape can also be called a solid shape .

What Objects are 3D Shapes?

The objects that are three-dimensional with length, breadth, and height defined are known as 3D Shapes. A few examples of 3D shapes are a dice which is in the form of a cube, a shoe box which is in the form of a cuboid or rectangular prism, an ice cream cone which is in the form of a cone, a globe which is in the form of a sphere.

What is the Volume of a 3D Shape?

The volume of 3D Shapes refers to the amount of cubic space filled within the shapes. To find the volume, we need the measurement of the three dimensions. The calculations of the volume of 3D shapes become easier if we know the formula of each shape.

AllMath / Glossary / Three Dimensional Shapes

Three-Dimensional Shapes:  Definition, Types, Properties, and Applications

Table of Content

• 01. What is a 3 dimensional shape?
• 02. Basic properties of Three-Dimensional shapes:
• 03. Types of 3D Shapes
• 04. How to Calculate the Volume and Surface Area of Three-Dimensional Shapes?
• 05. Examples of Three-dimensional Shapes
• 06. Applications of the 3-D shapes:

The world around us is filled with various shapes, ranging from simple and two-dimensional to intricate and multi-dimensional. Among these, 3D shapes hold a special interest. These shapes exist in three dimensions: length, width, and height.

This article aims to cover definitions, types, formulas to calculate their volume and surface area, real-life applications, and examples to better understand this topic.

What is a 3 dimensional shape?

A 3 dimensional shapes are geometric figures that occupy space and have three dimensions. These Shapes are also known as 3D shapes . These shapes exist in physical space and are not limited to flat surfaces like 2D shapes. They have volume and can be described using various properties, including edges, vertices, and faces.

Basic properties of Three-Dimensional shapes:

Three-dimensional shapes possess unique properties that set them apart from their Two-dimensional counterparts. These properties include:

• Surface area
• Vertices, Edges, and Faces.

Let's look more closely at each of these.

A three-dimensional shape's volume is the area that it occupies in space. It is measured in cubic units and provides insight into the capacity of Shapes.

Surface Area

Unlike 2D shapes with only an area, 3D shapes have a surface area, the total area of all the surfaces that make up the shape.

Vertices, Edges, and Faces

These terms describe the structural components of three-dimensional shapes.

• Vertices are the corners where edges meet.
• Edges are the lines connecting vertices.
• Faces are the flat surfaces that define the shape's boundaries.

Types of 3D Shapes

Three-dimensional shapes come in various forms, each with its different characteristics. Let’s Explore some common types:

A six-faced solid with all sides of equal length and all angles at 90 degrees.

A perfectly round shape with all points on its surface equidistant from its center.

A shape with two parallel circular bases of equal size connected by a curved surface.

A shape with a circular base and a single curved surface that tapers to a point called the apex.

A shape with two parallel and congruent polygonal bases connected by rectangular or parallelogram faces.

The shape with a polygonal base and triangular faces that converge at a single point is called the apex.

A shape resembling a donut, characterized by its circular cross-section and hole in the center.

Rectangular Parallelepiped

A six-faced shape with all angles at 90 degrees, and opposite faces being congruent rectangles.

A three-dimensional oval shape resembling a stretched or squashed sphere.

A shape with eight triangular faces and six vertices.

How to Calculate the Volume and Surface Area of Three-Dimensional Shapes?

Calculating the volume and surface area of 3D shapes is crucial for various fields. Let’s dive into how to perform this calculation for common shapes:

Examples of Three-dimensional Shapes

Let's explore some solved examples of calculating the volume and surface area of three-dimensional shapes:

Find the volume of a cylinder with a radius of 3 units and a height of 8 units.

Given Data:

Radius (r) = 3 units

Height (h) = 8 units

Volume of Cylinder = π × r² × h

Volume = π × (3²) × 8 = 72π cubic units

You can use our cylinder volume calculator to find the cylinder's volume quickly.

Calculate the surface area of a cone with a radius of 6 units and a slant height of 10 units.

 Radius (r) = 6 units,

Slant height (l) = 10 units

Surface Area of Cone = π × r × (r + l)

Surface Area = π × 6 × (6 + 10) = 96π square units

Our surface area calculator will help you to solve the problems related to finding surface areas of different shapes.

Calculate the surface area of a sphere with a radius of 9 units.

Radius (r) = 9 units

Surface Area of Sphere = 4 × π × r²

Surface Area = 4 × π × (9²) = 324π square units

Applications of the 3-D shapes:

Three-dimensional shapes find practical applications in numerous fields. Here are some examples:

Architecture and Engineering

• Architects use 3D models to design buildings and structures.
• Engineers use 3D shapes to design bridges, roads, and other infrastructure.

Manufacturing and Product Design

• Manufacturing processes often involve creating components with specific 3D shapes, ensuring proper fit and function in products.
• Product designers use 3D modeling software to create prototypes and test the aesthetics and ergonomics of items before production.

Medicine and Medical Imaging

• Medical imaging technologies such as MRI and CT scans create 3D representations of internal organs and structures, aiding in diagnoses and surgical planning.
• Prosthetics and implants are designed using 3D modeling to ensure precise fits and improved patient outcomes.

Geography and Mapping

• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) use 3D shapes to model terrain, urban landscapes, and environmental changes for urban planning and environmental studies.

Automotive Industry

• Car designers use 3D modeling to create vehicle designs, considering aerodynamics, aesthetics, and structural integrity.

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