Getting Started with Three.js vs Cesium

For a creative licensee, Three.js outshines with its web-driven 3D graphical prowess and no-cost barrier. If you’re developing government project or commercial applications or if you need granular usage plans, data streaming, and storage capabilities, Cesium, with its robust licensing structure, emerges as an unparalleled choice.

Key Differences Between Three.js and Cesium

• Code Language: Three.js uses Javascript and GLSL; Cesium makes use of multiple languages and numerous third-party patents.
• Pricing: Three.js is free under the MIT License while Cesium offers varying paid plans based on usage and features.
• Data Management: Cesium provides differential data streaming and storage capabilities, not identified in Three.js.
• Usage Area: Three.js is suitable for browser-based 3D modeling and animations; Cesium copes with commercial/government development and educational research.

What Is Three.js and Who’s It For?

Three.js, an open-source JavaScript library, was first brought to life by Ricardo ‘Mr.doob’ Cabello in 2010. It creates and portrays animated 3D computer graphics in web browsers using WebGL. Users leverage GPU-accelerated 3D animations, all with JavaScript and zero need for any browser plugins. Beneficial for those enfolding complex 3D animations in their applications, it simplifies the process with its high-level libraries like GLGE, Scene.js.

Developers, animators, and anyone intrigued by the potential of 3D graphics in a web interface will find Three.js to be an essential tool. Moreover, it allows for Virtual and Augmented Reality experiences via WebXR, broadening its audience to AR/VR enthusiasts.

Pros of Three.js

• Open-source and free to use under the MIT License
• Wide browser compatibility, supporting all browsers that uphold WebGL 1.0
• Facilitates GPU-accelerated 3D animations
• Supports Virtual and Augmented Reality via WebXR
• Impressive community with over 1700 contributors on Github

Cons of Three.js

• Limited to WebGL capabilities and browser support
• Has a substantial learning curve for newcomers
• High-level libraries may restrict lower-level access

What Is Cesium and Who’s It For?

Cesium is a full-fledged platform that provides varying plans tailored to diverse usage scenarios. Marketed as suitable for personal, commercial, and governmental applications, Cesium separates its plans based on pricing, storage, data streaming capabilities, Bing Maps sessions, and geocodes. The platform operates under the Apache License Version 2.0, ensuring flexibility for its users.

Cesium is ideal for businesses seeking fast commercial solutions, government projects, funded educational researches, and personal projects, depending on the chosen plan. Moreover, Cesium applies to all who extend their project boundaries beyond mere income, acknowledging contributions and innovative progression.

Pros of Cesium

• Offers a comprehensive, free community plan for non-commercial use
• Commercial, Premium, and Custom plans cater to various requirements and scales
• Open-source, operating under Apache License Version 2.0
• No limit on the number of apps and end users for each plan

Cons of Cesium

• Higher-level plans can be pricy
• Government projects and funded educational research require a commercial license
• While the community account is free, restrictions apply on annual gross revenue and raised funds

Code Examples for Three.js & Cesium

Three.js

In this example, we create a 3D bouncing ball with lighting and shadow effects using Three.js. Please ensure you’ve included the necessary Three.js library in your project for this code to function as expected.

    // Set up scene, camera, and renderer
    var scene = new THREE.Scene();
    var camera = new THREE.PerspectiveCamera(75, window.innerWidth/window.innerHeight, 0.1, 1000);
    var renderer = new THREE.WebGLRenderer();

    // Create sphere geometry and material
    var geometry = new THREE.SphereGeometry(1, 32, 32);
    var material = new THREE.MeshPhongMaterial({color: 0xff0000});
    var ball = new THREE.Mesh(geometry, material);

    // Add ball and light to scene
    scene.add(ball);
    var light = new THREE.PointLight(0xFFFFFF, 1, 500)
    light.position.set(10, 0, 25);
    scene.add(light);

    // Animation function
    function animate() {
        requestAnimationFrame(animate);
        ball.position.y = Math.abs(Math.sin(Date.now() / 500));
        renderer.render(scene, camera);
    }
    animate();

Cesium

This Cesium code example displays a geocoded location on a 3D globe. For the code to work, make sure to add the CesiumJS library in your project, and replace ‘Your-Access-Token’ with your access token from Cesium ion.

    // Initialize Cesium Viewer
    var viewer = new Cesium.Viewer('cesiumContainer', {
        imageryProvider: new Cesium.IonImageryProvider({ assetId: 3812 }),
        terrainProvider: Cesium.createWorldTerrain()
    });

    // Add a 3D model at a geocoded location:
    viewer.entities.add({
        position: Cesium.Cartesian3.fromDegrees(-75.62898254394531, 40.02804946899414),
        model: {
            uri: './3DModel.gltf',
            minimumPixelSize: 128,
            maximumScale: 20000
        }
    });

    // Add Cesium ion asset access
    Cesium.Ion.defaultAccessToken = 'Your-Access-Token';

The Ultimate Verdict: Three.js vs Cesium

In the realm of web-based 3D technologies, deciding between Three.js and Cesium can puzzle developers. Your choice ultimately hinges on your requirements and the precise audience you target.

Independent Web Developers

For independent developers and hobbyists seeking an easy-to-use, open-source solution for 3D web animations, Three.js is commendable. Its MIT license, robust contributor community, and support for various browsers make it a pioneering choice.

Commercial Entities

Commercial entities demanding scalable solutions and ready for premium offers find Cesium viable. Its tiered subscriptions featuring various data streaming, storage options, and an Apache License Version 2.0 make it a powerful enterprise toolbox.

AR/VR Creators

AR/VR creators are better off with Three.js as it supports virtual and augmented reality via WebXR. This strengthens their 3D content development and ensures compatibility with the majority of WebGL 1.0 supported browsers.

Government & Academic Entities

Government and academic institutions can utilize Cesium under a commercial license. It fulfills their specific project requirements, making Cesium instrumental in shaping future innovations.

In essence, for free, straightforward 3D content creation, Three.js reigns supreme, while Cesium fits the needs of large-scale, advanced 3D data rendering and analysis, at a cost. Choose based on your capabilities and requirements.