AS long time autocad user, I am evaluating CAD 3D apps on Linux for Architectural visualizations: Contrary to what one might think, it is possible to find killer apps for LInux. For hth e longuest time autocad was king app for Win32. I know this has been discussed before. But now after some search I found a few LINUX Cad 3d apps that run on native UNix (no wine required). Here are a few links I found that are quite good.
CYCAS and Aryam
CyCAS is classified as commercial software but makes a public version aviable for Deb. I installed this on my Hoary 5.04 easily and it runs as expected. Frequent Autocad users be prepeared to spend a brief time to familiariaze yourself with the welcome simplicity of its interface. It draws in 2d AND 3d with built-in archtecturals like openings for doors, windows and curtain walls complete with sizable mullions.
Its approach is a blessing after successive versions of feature bloated autodesk software. It exports to the renderer POVray and the reasonably priced 68euro BASIC version will exprot in DXF format. Nitpicks is that it does not yet output to RADIANCE (the phenomenal physics based radiosity-raytracer). The closest thing is this source code POV-RAD translator I found. If any programmer can make a decent LINUX front end to the RADIANCE or POVRAY app it would be much appreciated. (These OSS linux renderers can put apps costing thousands to shame).
Other 3d modelers are SCED and Ayam. Both of these are new to me but have been around a while. SCED is a constraint baed modeler that can export in RENDERMAN, POV and RADIANCE. If anyone have actualy used these or others post them here.
I am especially interested in hearing about real world applications in modeling and simulation FEA, lighting design etc...
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