3D Transformation

3D Transformations in Computer Graphics can be generated by extending 2D

Transformation. We can include z coordinate along with x and y coordinate. Also, We can
use 3D Transformation to change the size, shape, position, or orientation of an object. We
may use matrices to perform 3D transformations in Computer graphics. We can also use
homogeneous coordinates.

3D Translation
3D Translation moves the object from one place to another in a straight line direction. We
need 3 translation factors for 3D Translation that is tx, ty, tz. These specify translation
distances or shift vectors in x, y, z directions. A point is expressed as (x, y, z). These
translation factors may have any value positive, zero, or negative depending on where do we
want to move the object.

P’ = T. P

3D Scaling
We can increase or reduce the size of an object with the help of 3D Scaling. There are 3
scaling factors sx, sy, sz. These scaling factors can have any positive value. If the value is
greater than 1 then the object will expand. While, If the value is less than 1 then the object
will shrink. But If we want to preserve the relative dimensions of the object then we should
perform uniform scaling. Uniform Scaling means sx=sy=sz.
3D Rotation
In 2D rotation we perform rotation about a point. It is called pivot point. While for 3D
Rotation we need an axis of rotation. It may be any principal coordinate axes. However, we
may perform rotation about any line. We also need an angle of rotation. We can perform
rotation in clockwise or counter-clockwise rotation. For counter-clockwise rotation, angle is
taken as positive. While for clockwise rotation, angle of rotation is taken as negative.
3D Reflection
Reflection is transformation that produces a mirror image of an object .Reflection is achieved
by rotating the object in 180 degree.3D Reflection is also a useful 3D Transformation in
Computer Graphics. We can perform 3D Reflection along with a plane.
3D Shear
A transformation that slants the shape of an object is called shearing.it is also called skewing.
We can use 3D Shear to change the shape of an object. We also use them to create general
projections.