Autodesk 12812-051462-9011 User Guide 3 - Page 1905

2D and 3D geometry can also be captured off the Internet and put to immediate use in 3ds Max scenes. You can also use the Asset Browser with topographical maps, detailed aerial and satellite photos, and any design data in MAX or STL form. In this way, you are assured instant access to the latest design content, free from leading vendors around the world, without leaving your desktop. For Web Content Providers Any Web page that uses standard HTML source code can easily be enhanced so that 3ds Max users can access it for content. Making bitmap textures (.BMP, .JPG, .GIF, .TIF, etc.) available for downloading requires no special HTML coding, but there are guidelines you should follow for optimum utility to 3ds Max users. Making geometry (MAX) files (.max) available to 3ds Max users requires some simple modifications to your HTML source code. See also: ■ i-drop Indicator on page 7160 i-drop Indicator In order to support the World Wide Web as a primary source of product information, Autodesk has introduced the i-drop™ Indicator. This enables manufacturers and design professionals to publish and acquire design data using standard Web pages. The i-drop Indicator is used to transfer content from the World Wide Web by means of a drag-and-drop operation. The content can be any type of file (such as a geometry or a raster file) that the content producer has made available and that the application will accept. For example, imagine that you are a lighting designer and require a specific fixture to embed within your 3ds Max scene. Now imagine that a lighting company such as ERCO has a Web site containing a library of their fixtures online. You can browse this library, then drag and drop the appropriate fixture into your scene. You don't need to download the file and then insert it. Now you can drag any MAX file from an i-drop-enabled web site and drop its geometry directly into your Autodesk product. In addition to geometry, you can drag and drop photometric data, cost information, materials, and so on. 7160 | Chapter 23 Managing Scenes and Projects