DIAMOND has moved into a new, third dimension. This makes it The System to provide a true fully
integrated solution for the professional draughtsperson. All 3D facilities are fully integrated into the existing
DIAMOND system and make use of exactly the same screen lay-out, user interface, menus, dynamic
displays and command structures as other facilities. Handling of 2D and 3D entities are identical with one
exception: in space mode co-ordinates specified in terms of axis magnitudes require a third (Z) value.
DIAMOND's 3D models can be constructed using a set of basic elements, like blocks, cylinders, cones,
spheres or toruses that are usually based upon 2D outlines, or by sweeping a 2D profile or boundary in a
circle or along a given path. New models can be created by copying or duplicating an existing solids or by
splitting solids using specified cutting planes. DIAMOND allows three dimensional solids to be created
from existing 2D utilities such as Staircases and Portal Frames.
DIAMOND provides powerful boolean operations such as union, intersection and difference, giving the
user the ability to model many complex shapes.
Survey data, either from data loggers or from other systems, may be broken down into eastings, northings
and height information, which can then be used to create a DIAMOND surface. Powerful interpolation and
triangulation algorithms ensure that the surfaces closely fit the original data, while input parameters allow
tweaking of surfaces to best achieve this aim. Manipulation commands such as cut and fill, or volume
calculations may be performed, while a section or contour can be extracted.
Rendering and hidden line removal tools combine with all DIAMOND's modelling functionality to provide a
powerful design medium. Several rendering modes are available for the display of shaded model
representations, including the smooth Gouraud and realistic Phong. Basic textures can be mapped to the
model surfaces to improve realism. Available light sources can be positioned at any required location.
DIAMOND can produce automatic walkthrough paths and store them for later retrieval. Walkthroughs and
flyarounds are detailed in terms of a series of points denoting a path through the model. Perspective
images are then calculated as though you are walking along this path allowing say an architect to stroll
through his proposed building before a brick has been laid.
2D representations of 3D models can easily be generated. The 2D image of the full contents of any 3D
viewport, before or after hidden line removal operations, or alternatively sections and slices of 3D models,
can be placed on the drawing for annotating or any other required drawing operation. The generated 2D
replicas are constructed from normal line entities.