10
Modeling with polygonal
datasets
In creating models of objects for use in computer animation and visualization
programs the most popular and versatile approach is to build them from a large
number of very simple primitive planar polygons. Highly successful professional
3D animation programs and most computer games use this appr oach. It would
be quite impractical to build polygonated models by entering lists of facets and
vertex positions on a keyboard. In all useful programs the computer provides
pre-built collections of flat triangular or rectangular polygons to represent prim-
itive shapes such as cylinders, spheres and torii. It is rarely sufficient to limit
the modeling process to a simple combination of primitive shapes and therefore
application ...