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Adding a Model to an Entity

Models

Models are a property on an Entity that represents a reference to a 3d model. This 3d model is renderable inside the globe.

Hive supports two different file types for rendering 3d models, .glb and .gltf. Both are part of the same specification.

There are samples all over the internet, and you can generate your own 3d models using any popular 3d modeling software.

How to Assign a Model to an Entity

Selecting an Entity will open the Entity properties panel.

Initial view after selecting an entity

Select the Graphics option and choose Model out of the list to add the Model configuration section.

View of the Model Graphics selection

Image of 3d model blackhawk on air force base

Types of Models

Attaching a 3d model to an entity is currently supported using 3 different methods. This is a short summary of those 3 methods, with more detail available in the sections below.

View of the available graphics selection

  • Cesium Ion: This option (when paired with a valid Cesium Ion subscription) allows for the input of a unique Cesium Ion Asset ID. This asset ID can be found in the cesium ion web application and simply copy-pasted into the Model selection input box. The Cesium Ion method streams a Cesium Ion asset to the page directly from Cesium Ion.
  • Bucket: Buckets are a Hive feature that allows for the organization and storage of 3d models based on your subscription level. Storage is limited due to costs incurred by storing and streaming 3d models when editing or or accessing a scene.
  • External URL: The External URL method allows for the simple input of a URL that contains a downloadable 3d model on the end. This is the simplest option, as any publicly available supported 3d model file can be referenced and used within the application.

Cesium Ion

TODO - This ought to show the cesium ion UI and where to find the asset id Cesium Ion Model Selection

Bucket

TODO - This needs to reference a bucket specific guide, and jump back here for the model selection explanation Bucket Model Selection

External URL - examples

TODO external example with images using the sample repository External URL selection

Model Style Properties

Shows model style options

Show a 3x sized green transparent blackhawk

Show/No Show

The yellow eyeball button controls whether or not the model is visible. It can be toggled between Show, which renders the model on screen, and Hide which makes the model invisible on screen.

Color

Changes the color of the model, models that already have a color are simply altered with the selected color value.

Opacity

The amount of light set to pass through the model, affecting how transparent the model is within the viewer. An opacity of 1 will result in a solid model, which an opacity of 0 is entirely transparent.

Scale

How large the model is with relation to it’s original size. For example, a scale of 2 is twice the original model size.

Multiplier

TODO

Max Scale

TODO

Min Pixel Size

TODO

Other

Shadows

The Shadows dropdown box allows for the configuration of how shadows interact with the 3d model. It contains the following options:

  • Cast Only: Cast shadows on the terrain or other models but not show any shadows on the model
  • Receive Only: Show shadows, but not cast any on the terrain or other models
  • Cast and Receive: Set the model to both cast and receive shadows from the terrain and other models
  • Disable: No shadow interaction or casting with the model from terrain or other models

Further reading