The gridded plane of existence that models are meant to stick to...is that just a suggestion, like reality and pants?

Every time I load a new model in most of these programs I have to spend a good ten minutes looking for it and attempting to bring it back down to earth.

But I'm starting to wonder if having the model anywhere near the plane is necessary at all.

In some programs like XSI Modtools and Character FX I've been able to find the appropriate button to instantly center on the model no matter where it is. But with some other programs it is not that easy. Is there some universal rule and setting amongst all polygonal models that will save me the time of having to track down a fresh import?

There is no universal standard when it comes to X,Y,Z axis positioning/orientation at import or during the modeling process even.

After I build a model, I usually will drag it to an origin of some kind so that when I import it into Vue it will already be on ground level.  The other trick is to get the height measure of an object to orginate from the bottom rather than at the middle/center of the object.

Just things to keep in mind.

www.youtube.com/user/ShawnDriscollCG

As far as creation goes I would keep objects at the centre (default in most apps I thought). You can see the grid axis and tools like mirroring and multi-replicate around an axis will be easier to set up. The import app may place the object at 0,0,0, or centre of screen or......... all will be different
For me the metasequoia/Terragen coords match perfectly. I can export exactly where I want It imported to

 I know Metaseq tends to slice right through a new created primitive with the grid. Are you guys suggesting to raise the model up so that its base is sitting on top of the grid and then working with from there?

Fortunately, the programs that I am getting the most use out of I've managed to find ways to get imports situated properly with little effort but some others I guess it's just a matter of software compatibility.

Quote - I know Metaseq tends to slice right through a new created primitive with the grid. Are you guys suggesting to raise the model up so that its base is sitting on top of the grid and then working with from there?

Yes.  Especially if it is a ground plane.

Quote - Fortunately, the programs that I am getting the most use out of I've managed to find ways to get imports situated properly with little effort but some others I guess it's just a matter of software compatibility.

For every new 3D program created there is a new version of the OBJ file format created.

www.youtube.com/user/ShawnDriscollCG

object>shift the position>min to 0

 Ah, 'Position 0' Sound like a new sci-fi conspiracy flick! LOL.

Thanks a lot guys. Renderosity has proven to be a huge help with my modeling shenanigans. =D