Page 65 - Dinosaur (DK Eyewitness Books)

DIGITAL DINOS
Special 3-D modeling and graphics computer software
allow graphic artists to create highly detailed digital models
of dinosaurs. They first draw a body framework in the
software and bulk it out. Next, they add details such as tint
and texture to the skin or surface of the model. Artists with
expert anatomical knowledge can manipulate a model to
pose a dinosaur in different ways and even make it move
in various environments under
simulated lighting.

BASE MESH SHAPING THE DINOSAUR
1The first step is to make a mesh 2Computer software subdivides
that forms the base or starting point the basic polygons into millions
of the model. An accurate drawing of of smaller units. An artist can then
the dinosaur’s skeleton guides the sculpt these units as a kind of
artist in building the dinosaur’s basic digital clay, modifying them
shape from a grid made of polygons. to refine the dinosaur’s shape.

Digital model
of Corythosaurus

CORRECTING INACCURACIES UV MAPPING
3While making the digital model, 43-D painting tools add basic color
it is important to correct mistakes that details to the model. But the artist also
are often present in traditional models uses a technique called UV mapping
of dinosaurs. For instance, a hadrosaur to cut the dinosaur’s skin into pieces.
such as Corythosaurus is now known These are placed on a virtual canvas to
to have a skin crest behind its head. add finer details of color and texture.

ADDING COLOR ADDING MORE DETAIL
5The bits of skin are spread out on 6UV mapping also adds details
the flat canvas like pieces of animal such as texture or shininess. It
hide pinned onto a table. Working can make one part of a dinosaur’s
on these, the artist creates detailed body appear to be glossier or
color maps that consist of tints, scalier than another, making
shades, and tones of different colors. the dinosaur look more real.

Reconstruction
of lake bed
RIGGING RENDERING
7To pose or animate the dinosaur, 8In this step, the flat maps created
a rigging artist, who is an expert in earlier are applied to the model.
anatomy, creates a digital skeleton and The dinosaur is then placed in
Baryonyx digital muscles that will convincingly a simulated environment and is
restoration move and bend the digital animal. illuminated by virtual sources of light.

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