3D modeling software vendors are placed into 4 categories based on their performance and reviews in each criterion: “visionary leaders,” “innovators,” “dynamic differentiators,” and “emerging companies".

Vendors who fall in the category of visionary leaders generally receive high scores for most of the evaluation criteria. They have a strong portfolio of solutions and services and mark their presence in the best 3D modeling software market by offering solutions as per the consumer requirements. These vendors have undertaken various growth strategies to advance consistently in the market. The visionary leaders in 3D modeling software space include Autodesk Inc, Trimble Inc, Esri, and Bentley Systems.

The innovators in the MicroQuadrant are vendors who have demonstrated substantial product innovations in comparison to their competitors. They have focused product portfolios. However, they do not have strong growth strategies for their overall business. Intermap Technologies and Pix 4D are recognized as the innovators in 3D modeling softwares space.

Dynamic differentiators are established vendors with strong business strategies. However, they do not possess strong product portfolio. The vendors generally focus on a specific type of technology related to the product.  These vendors have an innovative portfolio of solutions and services. Adobe Systems Incorporated, Dassault Systemes, Topcon Corporation, Apple Inc, Alphabet Inc, Vricon, Airbus Group SE are recognized as dynamic differentiators in the 3D modeling softwares space.

Emerging companies are vendors with niche product offerings who are beginning to gain their position in the market. They do not have strong business strategies as compared to other established vendors. These companies might be new entrants in the market and require some more time before they gain a significant market traction. Most of the emerging companies have undertaken multiple business strategies to boost their capabilities across regions and offer integrated solutions and services to a wide range of clients. Mitsubishi Electric, Maxon Corporation, Cybercity 3D, Pixologic, Onionlab, The Foundry Visionmongers Ltd, and Flight Evolved are recognized as emerging companies in 3D modeling softwares space.

3D modeling software technology is evolving in several industries having numerous applications. 3D mapping market is segmented by application into inspection and measurement, object reconstruction, 3D projection and navigation, virtualization, and others. Other applications include disaster, infrastructure, asset, and property management. One of the main applications of 3D modeling software is 3D projection and navigation, which is an emerging technology that maps 3D points to a 2D plane, thereby adding animation to stationary objects and architectures. The 3D projection and navigation market is expected to dominate the 3D modeling software market, as major players, such as Google, Apple, and Autodesk are competing to provide innovative mapping and navigation solutions.

INSPECTION AND MEASUREMENT

CONSTANT NEED TO MANAGE AND EXAMINE CONSTRUCTION SITES AND HISTORICAL PLACES TO DRIVE THE DEMAND FOR INSPECTION AND MEASUREMENT APPLICATION

Land surveying comprises inspection, measurement, and mapping of the surrounding environment using mathematics, specialized technology, and equipment. Distance, area, and volume are the properties measured by 3D mapping of any particular object, including buildings, land, construction sites, mining sites, and agriculture lands. It is essential to plan and design the land subdivisions to finalize the construction of roads, utilities, and landscaping. Field surveyors use the latest technologies, such as high order GPS, 3D modeling, 3D mapping, and 3D scanning to map an area. Once the inspection is done, measurements are taken through aerial imaging and scanning. Furthermore, 3D maps are created of the specific object for several purposes, including avoiding accidents, identifying and differentiating lands, and more.

OBJECT RECONSTRUCTION

NEED TO RECREATE REAL OBJECTS VIRTUALLY FOR BETTER VISUAL UNDERSTANDING OF EACH MINUTE DETAIL TO FUEL THE DEMAND FOR OBJECT RECONSTRUCTION

3D object reconstruction is the process via which shapes and appearances of real-time objects are captured. Data collection is an important phase of the object reconstruction process. In this phase, data is collected through areal mapping and imaging, site inspections, and measurements to develop an interactive map to reconstruct the object accurately. Reconstruction enables to gain insights into the qualitative features of the object, which cannot be inferred from a single plane of sights, such as volume and the relative position of the object to other objects in the scene. The qualitative features can be achieved through the creation of 3D maps. In the object reconstruction process, a depth-map is reproduced with the help of a sequence of images as input. 3D maps help gains minute and accurate insights of objects that need to be reconstructed.

3D PROJECTION AND NAVIGATION

AUGMENTED DEMAND FOR 3D PROJECTION FOR MARKETING PURPOSE AND INCREASING DEMAND FOR RELIABLE NAVIGATION MAPS TO FUEL THE GROWTH OF 3D PROJECTION AND NAVIGATION APPLICATION

3D projection is gaining popularity rapidly. 3D projection is an audio-visual mapping in which the videos and audios are projected on real surfaces, such as buildings, cars, and concert stages. It is an evolving technology that maps 3D points to a 2D plane and adds animation to stationary objects and architectures. This technique is used by video artists to match videos to buildings that they are projecting on and create interesting 3D effects. At present, the 3D projection has emerged as an attractive form of advertising, as it enables the creation of 3D effects of various products for marketing campaigns.

3D navigation is specially designed for mobile devices to provide a 3D view of an urban, semi-urban, or sometimes rural environment. A model of user-interaction of a 3D map is then presented to match the physical position. With major companies such as Apple and Google competing with each other to provide top-of-the-class 3D navigation solutions, this application has been gaining huge traction since the past 3 years. Nokia also provides advanced 3D navigation options.

VIRTUALIZATION

INCREASING DEMAND FOR BETTER VISUALIZATION OF 3D CONTENT TO DRIVE THE GROWTH OF VIRTUALIZATION APPLICATION

Virtualization is the process by which graphical content is created using 3D modeling software. The technology is being adopted by organizations to produce high-quality digital content. It helps 3D artists create spectacular visualizations that can be used in any industry. 3D mapping technology is used to map 3D objects and 3D content properly on the surface. Real-time vitalization achieved via 3D mapping enables customers to better understand the designs and models. Virtualization technology is becoming popular as it is helping architects and engineers to convey their designs to customers. It also helps designers, animators, sculptors, and other digital artists to map their models on the surface.

3D MODELING SOFTWARES

PRODUCT MARKETING

INCREASING PRODUCT SALES DUE TO ATTRACTIVE ADVERTISEMENTS TO DRIVE THE GROWTH OF 3D PRODUCT MARKETING

Cutting-edge technologies, including 3D designing and 3D modeling, are helping organizations to brand and showcase their products powerfully in the market. Best 3D modeling softwares are increasingly being used by businesses because of the visual impact it creates in customers’ eyes. 3D modeling helps effectively convey the marketing messages to the target groups, present products creatively, develop customized themes, and showcase less photogenic products. 3D models of products bring the actual look and feel to the customers, which is more impactful than 2D images of the products. Customers get a comprehensive idea about the products through advertising created using 3D modeling and 3D animation.

ANIMATION AND MOVIES

INCREASING POPULARITY OF ANIMATED MOVIES IN THE MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY TO FUEL THE GROWTH OF ANIMATION AND MOVIES APPLICATION

The demand for best 3D modeling softwares technology is augmented in the film industry, as it makes a noticeable impression on the industry by providing the finest animation practices. 3D full-length movies have increased the need for 3D modeling softwares, which helps artists and animators develop detailed models of objects, including characters, landscapes, buildings, and more, to be used in animated films. There are many 3D modeling softwares and solutions available in the market that help create realistic 3D models and special effects for animation and movies.

GAME AND OBJECT DESIGN

NEED TO OFFER THE BEST SPECIAL EFFECTS AND DESIGN REALISTIC GAME CHARACTER MODELS TO FUEL THE DEMAND FOR 3D MODELING SOFTWARES FOR GAME AND OBJECT DESIGN APPLICATION

Computer consoles and games are continuously evolving in terms of features and graphics. 3D modeling softwares enable game developers to make 3D models that can simulate the real world with perfect visuals. The latest 3D modeling softwares help couple those models with VR and AR to get Matrix-like simulation 3D modeling helps game developers and animators measure objects, create characters, and texture those objects and characters to give them a realistic look. Best 3D modeling softwares enhance the quality of visual graphics through texturing. 3D modeling softwares technology is helping video game and design industry to grow rapidly.

ARCHITECTURAL RENDERING

NEED TO MAKE CUSTOMERS UNDERSTAND DESIGNS PROPERLY BY PROVIDING VISUAL MODELS TO DRIVE THE USE OF 3D MODELING SOFTWARES FOR ARCHITECTURAL RENDERING

Architects need complete tools powered by the latest technologies to deliver the proposed design ideas to potential clients. 3D rendering helps the clients to get a complete view of the finished project and suggest necessary recommendations. The architects understand that clients cannot visualize how a project is going to look like with hand-drawn designs on a paper. 3D modeling softwares enable architects to effectively present their projects to the clients and support communication. 3D architecture models look realistic as if the building already existed in real life. The use of 3D modeling softwares has increased in architectural operations, as it requires little efforts from architects and renders detailed 3D models of projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Where will the developments in 3D technology take the industry in the mid- to long-term?

  A:

  The global 3D mapping and modeling market size is expected to grow from USD 2.8 billion in 2018 to USD 6.5 billion by 2023, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 18.0% during 2018–2023. The market will se an exponential growth after the complete adoption of 3D and VFX technology. North America is the most matured region in using these technologies and APAC region is adopting to the 3D viewing experiences to grow at a faster pace.

• Q: What are the upcoming industry applications for the 3D mapping and modeling market?

  A:

  By 3D Mapping Application, the 3D Mapping Application Market has been segmented as follows: Inspection and Measurement, Object Reconstruction, 3D Projection and Navigation, Virtualization, disaster, infrastructure, asset, and property management. By 3D Modeling Application, the 3D Modeling Application Market has been segmented as follows: Product Marketing, Animation and Movies, Game and Object Design, Architectural Rendering, simulation, sculpting, painting, and visualization.

• Q: Which are the major factors expected to drive the 3D mapping and modeling market in the near future?

  A:

  Increasing need for VFX technology in movies, 3D applications in games, and use of 3D imaging in mapping are major growth factors for the 3D mapping and modeling market. Increased availability of 3D content, superior 3D viewing experience and increased return on marketing spend will further drive the market.

• Q: Which region would offer a higher growth for the vendors in the 3D mapping and modeling market?

  A:

  China is the largest economy whose major economic activity is based on manufacturing. Large-scale construction and infrastructure activities are key to the rising adoption of 3D mapping and modeling. Japan is one of the leading manufacturing countries in the world. It is adopting advanced technologies such as robotics and 3D printing to improve productivity and efficiency. Australia and New Zealand are key countries in this region with developed economies. They have large industrial groups related to mining and manufacturing. Some of the emerging economies in APAC are also adopting 3D mapping and modeling technologies on a large scale which is evident from the fact that one of the leading universities in Malaysia developed a 3D software model to enable utility, telecommunications, and pipeline companies to accurately retrieve information, such as pipeline depth, intersection, and distances.

• Q: Which application area would account for the highest market share in the 3D mapping and modeling market?

  A:

  By application, animation, and movies segment to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period in the 3D mapping and modeling market. The demand for 3D modeling technology is augmented in the film industry, as it makes a noticeable impression on the industry by providing the finest animation practices. 3D full-length movies have increased the need for 3D modeling, which helps artists and animators develop detailed models of objects, including characters, landscapes, buildings, and more, to be used in animated films. There are many 3D modeling products and solutions available in the market that help create realistic 3D models and special effects for animation and movies.

• Q: Which industry segment will account for the highest growth rate in 3D mapping and modeling market?

  A:

  Construction and engineering segment to hold a significant market share during the forecast period. The 3D mapping and modeling technology helps computer-generated buildings to be created along with landscapes. CAD and 3D modeling techniques are time-saving and help get a succinct view of the project, landscape, or construction site. The final output to be constructed can be seen in terms of its length, breadth, and height using the 3D technology, and with realistic 3D virtualization, simulations with extensive details of the building can be observed to measure its feasibility. A typical 3D architectural model comprises images and documents that help an architect concoct about its requirements in terms of materials, thereby estimating an approximate cost of the building. 3D visualization also helps to find potential flaws and loopholes in the building well in advance before its construction, thereby helping save funds, time, and most importantly human lives.