04-22-2013, 10:51 PM
AutoCAD has customizable coordinate systems (UCS = "User Coordinate System") that aren't necessarily aligned, nor perpendicular with the WCS (World Coordinate System). You can even have multiple UCS's in one drawing (other apps call them "workplanes")
The OP obviously learned 3D from CAD/drafting where the top down view is the default ... and the x is horizontal, and y is vertical, leaving Z as in and out of the screen. This is considered a engineering/plan/drafting view based WCS.
In most animation apps, and therefore entertainment 3D apps outside of 3dsmax (which, of course, had its WCS basis is engineering/drafting due to its AutoDesk heritage*) the coordinate system is based on the natural orientation of the camera in entertainment... that is front view is default, and, in THAT view x is horizontal, Y vertical, and Z is camera dolly or in/out of the screen.
So, no WildTurrkey, it is absolutely NOT "COMPLETELY AGAINST EVERY OTHER KNOWN COORDINATE SYSTEM IN THE UNIVERSE".
It's just not the default in engineering/CAD. It IS, more often than not, the default in entertainment digital content creation apps, as noted by Wegg, above.
*... despite what many think, the Yost group was always backed and supported by ADSK, and developed 3D Studio under contract with ADSK
http://www.maxunderground.com/the_histor...studio_pt2)
The OP obviously learned 3D from CAD/drafting where the top down view is the default ... and the x is horizontal, and y is vertical, leaving Z as in and out of the screen. This is considered a engineering/plan/drafting view based WCS.
In most animation apps, and therefore entertainment 3D apps outside of 3dsmax (which, of course, had its WCS basis is engineering/drafting due to its AutoDesk heritage*) the coordinate system is based on the natural orientation of the camera in entertainment... that is front view is default, and, in THAT view x is horizontal, Y vertical, and Z is camera dolly or in/out of the screen.
So, no WildTurrkey, it is absolutely NOT "COMPLETELY AGAINST EVERY OTHER KNOWN COORDINATE SYSTEM IN THE UNIVERSE".
It's just not the default in engineering/CAD. It IS, more often than not, the default in entertainment digital content creation apps, as noted by Wegg, above.
*... despite what many think, the Yost group was always backed and supported by ADSK, and developed 3D Studio under contract with ADSK
http://www.maxunderground.com/the_histor...studio_pt2)