====Creating Virtual Environments====

You can see a video covering some of the steps involved in creating an ARDI-VE environment at [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOTWQGI2H5o]].

===What You Need===

To begin creating a virtual environment, you need three things.

1) An existing ARDI server and database containing your assets
2) 3D models and skins for your assets
3) The environment in which to place your assets
4) Assets with both a **model** and a **position**
   
===The Database===

Hopefully you've used the previous tutorials and reference sections to help start your new ARDI database and you have a few assets that you'd now like to visualise in 3D.

===Models and Skins===

To show an asset in 3D, you'll need both a [[ardibasics:3d_model|3D model]] and usually a [[ardibasics:skin|skin]] to go with it.

Many 3D models and skins can be downloaded from the download section of [[http://store.optrix.com.au]] - although you are of course welcome to create your own using our [[http://www.optrix.com.au/ardi/models/simple-tutorial|reference guide]].

Once you have obtained your 3D models and skins, you'll need to upload them to ARDI. This is done using the [[http://www.optrix.com.au/docs/ardiadminguide:managing_3d_models|3D Models]] section under **Administration**.

===Creating an Environment===

One or more of your assets will need to be set up as your [[environment]].

===Assigning Positions and Models===

Now that you have a place for them to live, it's time to set the position and appearance of your assets.

[[assign_3d_model_to_asset|Assign a 3D model]] to each asset to select how it **looks**. We usually suggest assigning a model to your [[types|type]] rather than to each individual model, unless it's unique.

[[placing_assets_on_the_map|Place your assets]] to set their location. 

Advanced users might also want to take the opportunity to add some [[assign_properties_to_models]]bindings]] or [[effects_and_animations|effects]].