Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 14
Spline Modeling
Understanding How Spline Modeling Works
We have focused a lot on poly modeling up to this point, and I
will continue to focus on it in later chapters as well. Poly mod-
eling is probably the most common form of modeling in
today's major 3D packages. There are many ways to make
things, however, and being familiar with just one way will limit
your abilities and speed as a 3D artist.
The way spline modeling works is that you create a
“cage” and then apply a surface to that cage. Think of it like
shaping digital chicken wire. Once you have your spline cage
complete, you apply a surface to that cage. Now what is really
nice is that you can go down in your layer stack and continue
to modify your surface using the original splines. That means
you can adjust your surface using the Bezier handles provided
on the original splines, which actually gives you a lot more
control than traditional polygon modeling.
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