Rick's Virtual Model of an Alligator Den!
This page created 5/27/2022  last update: 6/15/2022
All text, images, etc. on this page ©2022 Richard Dashnau
mouse scroll = zoom in/out  
left mouse + drag = roll model
right mouse + drag = pan model  [ or ] control+left mouse+drag = pan model
 up/down keys = tilt model up/down
left/right keys = turn model left/right



This page is going through development. I created the components of this assembly in Solidworks. At my job, I'd used that program with some success.  I've wanted to model alligator dens and
other natural objects for a long time, but could not use my work account for this.  But I've just discovered that Solidworks has a "makers" tier that gives access to a full version of the program
(Solidworks connected 3D experience) for a very affordable cost (at least for now). So I've modeled an alligator den. I've tried this before (in 2013), with various freeware programs, and the results
 are on this page. I hoped to do better with Solidworks.

I modeled a piece of lake shore, and then put a den into it. I used den measurements from information shared in various places by Dr. Anthony Martin, and ichnologist that works near the coast
of Georgia (USA).  The den I made is an abbreviated general arrangement.  I kept the tunnel section a bit short so the model would show better details over all. That was part 1.  I modeled a
 thin sheet to represent the surface of the water. That was part 2.  
I created the alligator last. I used one of my photos. First, I "blacked-out" the gator in the image for high-contrast.  Then I copied that high-resolution alligator silhouette into another sheet, and saved
that image.  I imported the image into Solidworks and traced over it. Then I extruded a solid from that.  I modified that  to "round it", taper the tail, etc. (There are probably better ways to do this, but
 I work with what I know).  I used simple extrusions for the "legs". That was part 3.
I added the 3 parts into a simple assembly. At this point, I wanted to see how the model would work for later images.  Maybe later I can try animating an alligator moving in the den. Next, I had
to figure out how to share this model outside Solidworks  so visitors to my website could see it  as a virtual model. THAT turned out to be an interesting problem. Although I have access to all the
 modeling functions of Solidworks (as far as I know), export/sharing options are a bit different.
I tried rotating the model, capturing screen shots at each view, and animating that...or presenting single images.  That's not the same as playing with the virtual model, though.
 I can, at least, still export models/assemblies as a 3D pdf file. The 3D pdf allows for full manipulation of the model in a virtual space, and there are also functions on the document that allow
adjustment of lighting, transparency (depending on how the model was exported) and even limited cross-sectional views. These  three files of different 3Dpdf exports demonstrate the differences
in appearance. I've added a comment giving a brief overview of how to move the model, but there are more options on the menu bar (including turning transparency on/off, and even cross-sectional
views!   You can download the files to try them. 1) cross-sectioned model (floating here) 2) full-solid model rendered transparent 3) full-solid model...rendered solid.
There were already issues with this, since the model "changes form" while jumping file types. I had to tweak the model (and remove the water from it) so the den would be acceptable as a pdf.
But I wanted to have a model on one of my web pages that a visitor could rotate and move around.  The method had to be inexpensive, and one that I could learn by using my limited
knowledge. From the methods that I found first I discovered that my original model files would have to be converted to another format (STEP), and then I discovered that it would have to be a
different format (OBJ). I found a few  spots online that would allow my to convert the files (I haven't found anything that I can afford that would do it locally on my PC). Anyway, I took my converted
files and....discovered that neither one would work with the solutions I found--or, I'd have to upload files to an online repository, and then link to the files from my page with script that would be
forwarded to me. I didn't really like much of that.
Then I found a simpler solution in a module called "model-viewer"(and it's FREE!).  I don't have to upload to another server, and the script is pretty simple.  BUT, it only accepts two other file
formats (glTF or GLB). So, I had to find another conversion. But I did, and then finally got the module to work...and that's why this page is here.  The model shows on the page. It can be
manipulated. But, there are issues with the range of motion in the converted model, and also with original orientation of the model when the file is open. The OBJ and STEP files work fine, though.
 I'll have to figure that  out, eventually. For now, here's my first try, and at least it works.  It took the last week or so of intermittent research and modification to make this happen.  The hours I spent
 making the model happened some weeks ago.
R. Dashnau 5/28/2022
I got the images below (and the anigifs) by taking screen shots while I rotated the model in Solidworks this model had two gators, and no pond surface.

One of my motivations for doing this comes from various observations of alligators in their dens.  I thought I'd try to simulate the situation based on images like those below. The rest of that female alligator's body was hidden in the den behind her.
  

I got the images below by taking screen shots while I rotated the model in Solidworks this model had one gator, and the pond surface. Once I've made the model, I can generate various 2D images by shifting the model around. If I am able to present indoor  
programs again, I could use this, or something like it in a digital program--if I can't present the actual model If I make any further progress with this concept, I'll try to note it here. (5/28/2022) The animated gif for this one is just below.