An Open 3D Visualization Toolkit - toolkit

The Open-Source Visualization Toolkit

Thu, 20 Jan 2005 14:49:41 -0600

This is the area where you can download the various open-source programs that we collectively call the toolkit. Since many of the appplications listed here change on a weekly basis, we thought you would be best served by always going to the source for the lastest version. Clicking on the links below will take you to the developers' web site where you can choose your platform and version.
The Science Museum of Minnesota is not responsible for support of these programs or for the content you find on these websites.
However, the forums on this site are established for the visualization community to discuss the pros and cons and technical limitations of the software, and share ideas generated from the use of the software.

GIMP Image Manipulation Software

Mon, 10 Jan 2005 16:42:14 -0600

Use the GIMP to create textures, modify 3D renders, create red-blue anaglyph 3D images, or any other image modifications you need to make.
Download the GIMP from the gimp.org website.

Audacity Sound Editor

Thu, 20 Jan 2005 14:50:24 -0600

Use Audacity to mix or record sound files for use in a high-definition or standard definition animation or video project, or for use in a realtime environment created with Blender.
Download Audacity sound editor from Sourceforge.

Blender 3D Software

Mon, 24 Jan 2005 17:25:44 -0600

Use blender to create, modify, import or export 3D models. You can also animate and export to video or still images in high-definition. Use Blender to create realtime interactive games or visualizations using the built in game engine.
Download Blender from the Blender site.

If you're having trouble with getting started with Blender, you can visit our knowledge base of tutorials about using Blender for visualization.

Inkscape Vector Drawing Application

Mon, 10 Jan 2005 16:41:46 -0600

Inscape is a free, cross-platform SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) format program that lets you create logos, illustrations and other drawings like commercial packages such as Macromedia Freehand or Adobe Illustrator.
Learn more from the Inkscape website or download Inkscape from sourceforge.net.

Red-Blue (Anaglyph) glasses

Tue, 04 Jan 2005 09:13:53 -0600

Make your own 3D red-blue viewing glasses.
Download the .pdf file and print it out on your own printer!

GoCubic - Windows-based program for building cubic VRs

Tue, 28 Dec 2004 14:58:47 -0600

GoCubic is a free utility for Windows for creating cylindrical QuickTime 4 panoramas as well as cubic QuickTime 5 panoramas.

Download
GoCubic is a Windows-only application. See makeCubic for a Mac program for creating cubicVRs.

makeCubic

Tue, 28 Dec 2004 14:59:18 -0600

MakeCubic is a simple OS X-ready application for creating cubic QTVR movies from six faces or from equirectangular images.

Download
makeCubic is a Mac-only application. See GoCubic for a Windows cubicVR creation application.

Expression 3

Wed, 29 Dec 2004 07:46:23 -0600

Creature House Expression 3 is an innovative vector-based illustration and graphics tool that provides exciting creative capabilities for designers working in print, web, video, and interactive mediums.

Download
Expression 3 is a free download available for Windows and OS X.

Terragen

Tue, 28 Dec 2004 15:00:16 -0600

Terragen is a scenery generator, created with the goal of generating photorealistic landscape images and animations.
Quickly and easily generate 3D terrains that can be rendered or exported.

Download
Terragen is available for Windows and OS X.

Maya Personal Learning Edition

Tue, 28 Dec 2004 15:00:40 -0600

Maya Personal Learning Edition is a special version of Maya® software, which provides free access to Maya for non-commercial use. It will give 3D graphics and animation students, industry professionals, and those interested in breaking into the world of computer graphics (CG) an opportunity to explore all aspects of the award winning Maya Complete™ software in a non-commercial capacity.

Download

Blender QuickTime VR Image Exporter Python Script

Sun, 15 Oct 2006 04:19:57 -0500

Download this script to create a cubic QuickTime VR from Blender. Copy into the folder that Blender looks for scripts.
You can then bring the six rendered images into MakeCubic, a free program from the Apple Developer Site.
Important: Remove the .txt entension before installing. The fle should be named cubic_qtvr_export.py