MOUNTAINS OF THE MOON UNIVERSITY

FACULTY OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION

DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE

COURSE UNIT:

COMPUTER GRAPHICS

TOPIC:

MODELING A CAR

STUDENT'S NAME: NSIIMIRE CLAIRE

REG NO:

2022/U/MMU/BCS/001

PROGRAMME:

BACHELOR’S IN COMPUTER SCIENCE

TEL: 0770425496 / 0709223136

Email : nsiimireclaire1@gmail.com
A REPORT ABOUT THE PROCEDURE FOR MODELING A CAR IN MAYA

INTRODUCTION:

Modeling a car in Maya involves a meticulous process that integrates various tools and
techniques within the software. This report outlines a step-by-step procedure for creating a basic
model of a car using Autodesk Maya focusing on exterior and interior modeling, as well as the
creation of a custom number plate with the name "Claire" using 3D text.

Process Overview:

Research and Preparation:

Conducted research on the Toyota Primo new model to understand its design elements,
proportions, and key features.

Gathered reference images and specifications to serve as a visual guide during the modeling
process.

Initial Setup:

Opened Autodesk Maya and created a new project folder to organize files and assets.

Set up the scene with appropriate units and grid settings to ensure accuracy and consistency.

Exterior Modeling:

Body:

Started by creating the basic shape of the car's body using polygon modeling techniques,
focusing on defining the overall silhouette and proportions.

Utilized reference images and blueprints to accurately model the curves and contours of the car's
exterior.

Added details such as door panels, window frames, and wheel arches using edge extrusion and
vertex manipulation.

Wheels:
Modeled the wheels separately, starting with a basic cylinder shape and refining it to match the
design of the Toyota Primo's wheels.

Added spokes and rim details using polygon modeling techniques, ensuring symmetry and
proportionality.

Headlights:

Created the headlight housings using polygon modeling, paying attention to the unique octagonal
U shape mentioned in the project requirements.

Added reflective materials to simulate the appearance of glass covers over the headlights.

Number Plate with "Claire":

Used the Create Text tool to generate 3D text within Maya.

Typed the name "Claire" and adjusted the font, size, and alignment to match the appearance of a
standard number plate.

Positioned the 3D text on a rectangular plane to simulate the number plate, ensuring proper
alignment and scale.

Applied a white material to the text and a contrasting color to the background plane to enhance
readability and visual appeal.

Interior Modeling:

Dashboard:

Modeled the dashboard using polygon primitives and edge extrusion techniques, referencing
images of the Toyota Primo's interior design.

Added details such as air vents, buttons, and displays to replicate the functionality and aesthetics
of the original dashboard.

Seats:
Modeled the seats using polygon primitives and sculpting tools to achieve the desired shape and
contour.

Added stitching details and texture maps to simulate the appearance of upholstered leather seats.

Steering Wheel:

Modeled the steering wheel using a combination of polygon and NURBS techniques, paying
attention to the shape and proportions.

Added buttons, grips, and other features to replicate the design of the Toyota Primo's steering
wheel.

Windows Screens:

Modeled the window screens using polygon primitives, ensuring they fit accurately within the
car's interior space.

Applied a glass material to the window screens, adjusting transparency and refraction properties
for realism.

Used the toolkit attribute to enable X-ray mode, allowing for easier selection and manipulation
of objects behind the window screens.

Texturing and Shading:

Unwrapped the UVs of the car model to prepare for texture application, ensuring proper mapping
and alignment.

Applied textures and shaders to different parts of the car, including metallic shaders for the body,
leather shaders for the seats, and glass shaders for the windows.

Adjusted material properties such as color, roughness, and reflectivity to achieve the desired
appearance.

Detailing and Finishing Touches:

Utilized techniques like edge loops, extrusions, and bevels to create details such as doors,
windows, headlights, and wheels. I accessed the polygon Torus that I adjusted and came up with
the shape of a wheel which I duplicated by selecting the wheel and then used the keyboard
shortcut Ctrl + D which enabled me to get several wheels. Applied smooth shading to the model
to evaluate its surface smoothness.

I used the Subdivision Surface modifier in the attribute editor to increase the model's smoothness
while retaining its overall shape.

I adjusted the subdivision levels to achieve the desired level of smoothness. I reviewed the model
from various angles to identify any imperfections or areas needing refinement and made
necessary adjustments to ensure overall balance and then finally combined the entire model of
the car by selecting the object, went to mesh and then combine which finally made the model
into a single object.

I applied colors to the model by right clicking in the object and then selected material attributes
to apply the relevant colors.

Added finer details such as the flag decal and branding insignia using polygon modeling and
texturing techniques.

Employed Boolean operations to create intricate shapes and cutouts, such as the headlights with
octagonal U-shaped housings.

Refined the model by adding bevels, chamfers, and other surface details to enhance realism and
visual appeal.

Rendering and Presentation:

Set up the scene with appropriate lighting and environment settings to enhance the realism of the
rendered images.

Configured render settings such as resolution, sampling, and camera angles to capture high-
quality images of the car model.
Utilized the Arnold renderer to produce photorealistic renders showcasing the car from various
angles and perspectives.

Conclusion:

I successfully modeled a car using Autodesk Maya, incorporating a wide range of modeling
techniques, texturing methods, and rendering approaches to achieve a realistic and visually
compelling result. This project highlights the user's proficiency in 3D modeling and showcases
the capabilities of Maya in creating intricate and lifelike digital.