CGI is utilised across many industries and has stimulated innovation across many sectors for decades. The film industry saw the first use of CGI back in 1958 with the creation of animation cells using mechanical computers in Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo. Later in 1976 the first animation sequence was seen in the film Futureworld. The vast majority of people do not realise how long this technology has been around.
Computer Generated Imagery (CGI) is a term commonly used to describe digitally generated graphics, created to represent life like objects or images. In CGI 3D artists are free to release their creativity into a simulated world of endless possibilities. Complex graphical software can evolve the most basic shapes to incredibly complex and detailed digital images. With its broad range of applications and benefits CGI is becoming a necessity.
Through advances in methods of communication and data transfer has evolved a very efficient working process. Historically film crews or photographers accompanied by expensive equipment and cast members were the norm. Cancellations due to weather or technical issues were common, increasing project lead times and cost. In contrast the CGI artists can operate remotely to produce exceptional visualisations created from customer requirements. There is also an environmental benefit, reduced need for car journeys, train or air travel. It can be argued CGI has helped to lower businesses' carbon footprints.
Since its debut CGI technology has advanced rapidly and nowadays is used extensively throughout many industries. The obvious beneficiaries from advancement of CGI are the film industry, other include architects, interior and landscape designers, and engineers. Having access to CGI enables architects and designers to scrutinise their work and make adjustments to designs well in advance of actual construction.
Less known applications would be for example, technical authors who are increasingly using CGI in the form of augmented reality to explain their equipment maintenance. The technology is able to provide unparalleled detail with supporting text to explain complex maintenance operations.
The process for creating CGI images or animations is relatively straightforward: capture clear specifications and requirements, create a series of draft images to capture requirements, render image, then present to client. The model once created can be used to provide stills, animations and even recreated as an object by 3D printing. Realistic and detailed imagery created by CGI has transformed industries and businesses, and will continue to do so as the world becomes ever more digital.
CGI is an exceptional product development and marketing tool and with a growing appetite for high quality images the future for this specialised sector is assured.
Rose and Rose Visualisations