How do I animate an .obj file ???

[Anonymous]

Hi

With a drone I have mapped a sports field, I then export the mapping which gave me both .MTL and .OBJ formats, I import the .OBJ file into 3DS and can move it around etc, how do I then convert or change this to an animated look?

Once I know how to animate it I will then add trees, bushes etc

Maybe 3DS isnt the right software maybe Maya is?

Any help with how to animate would be much appreciated

Thanks

Ryan

[eodeo]

What are you trying to do?

Import a 3d model and then animate a camera flying through the scene? Something else?

[Anonymous]

Hi

So I've used a drone and drone deploy app to map an sports field, what this does is takes for example 100 photos of this area from about 150ft, you then put these photos through the Drone Deploy software, after this has processed the photos it gives you a 3d model (.OBJ file) what I now want to do is import that into 3DS Max and then convert (if thats the right termonolgy) this 3.OBJ file into an animation and then crop it add trees bushes etc

Hope this makes sense 🙂

Thanks

[eodeo]

"I now want to do is import that into 3DS Max and then convert (if thats the right termonolgy) this 3.OBJ file into an animation"

That is the part that I didn't understand initially.  You can't convert to animation. That makes no sense. You can output a video file with movement of either a camera or some specific parts in the scene, or both- where both the camera and the scene moves. I just don't understand what is it that you're trying to do.

[dgorsman]

Stupid question time: are you familiar with this type of software, maybe another program like Maya or Blender?  Or are you starting from scratch?

[Anonymous]

No not familar at all so yes starting from scratch, I dont mind putting the time in to learn it but want to make sure I'm learning the right tools (software for the job)

Thanks

[Anonymous]

Something like this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiZrSyfxi0w which which I believe is shot from a drone and imported into software like 3DS or maybe it isnt?

[dgorsman]

Alright.  It is possible to create both stills and animation using 3DSMAX.  But what you are asking is akin to asking "How do I design an aircraft?".  Its a *huge* field to learn getting from nothing to finished product:

• create and optimize geometry
• select, modify, and apply materials
• assign lighting and environment
• animate objects (if needed)
• define cameras
• animate camera motion (if needed)
• select render settings

Since you are starting from scratch I recommend putting aside what you've got for now.  Find some tutorials for beginners and work through them to understand the basics, then start applying what you've learned to what you are looking to do.

[Anonymous]

Thats a fair point Dgorsman, I'vr started watching tutorials and also going to look for courses just want to make sure I'm looking into the correct software to do the job, I'm certainly not expecting to know who to do what was in that link over night, more than happy to take my time and learn it properly 🙂

What would you recommend to produce this type of work (youtube link) 3DS Max or Maya or something else?

Thanks

[dgorsman]

Use whatever best suits you.  3DSMAX and Maya both have good and bad points, and both cost money for licenses.  Blender is free, but can lack in some areas.  Whatever you learn be sure to focus more on technique and technology rather than product-specifics.  The former can be applied across many different programs.

[john_s2]

I agree with the comments above in so far as learning Max is like learning to fly a Space Shuttle while playing the Tuba.  However, what you are asking to do isn't overly complicated if you look into the following:-

a) You need to create a camera

b) You need to change one of the viewports to be looking through the lens of the camera

c) You need to modify the camera parameters (lens length primarrily) to get the view you want.

d) Move the camera around to see what it looks like.

e) Look up keyframe animation and move the camera and set keyframes along the time line.

Once you have the keyframe animation the way you like it you then need to render out the animation. This can either render as a video file (easier but prone to crashing) or as individual frames which you will then piece togther using some video editing software.

This is a very simple overview but should hopefully give you some ideas as to where you need to concentrate your research.