Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
This is what's known as a matrix in math. Each point of the square is defined as
the coordinates on each line. The order of the points drawn to create the square goes
from top to bottom. So, we start at (0,0), draw a line to (10,0), then a line to (10,10),
and then (0,10). Some programs recognize that (0,0) was the starting point, so they
close the shape while others would require a fifth line in the matrix, that is (0,0).
Complex, right? This is two dimensional, so no
z
axis is on this matrix. This is only one
polygon; however, a cube that is 10 x 10 x 10 would look like the following screenshot:
And this is only a cube! You can see how things can get very complex very quickly.
So, keeping your polygon count low is extremely important. Let's take a look at an
example. The following figure shows you two footballs. Can you tell the difference?
Sure, the laces on the football on the left look better. So does the stitching, and the
creases where the leather meets up are different. (I actually think the creases look
better on the right, but not the stitching.) However, unless you're doing extreme
close-ups of the football, the laces on the right ball would more than suffice.
