Modeling 1: Polygons - An Introduction to Computer Graphics for Artists - page 67

Chapter 6
Modeling 1: Polygons

6.1 Introduction

Polygonal geometry is the most common type of geometry used but it is not the only
type of geometry available. Because it is common and it helps illustrates concepts
important to working with 3D scenes, this topic will start with polygonal modeling
and then get to other types of modeling in Chaps. 14 and 15 , after readers have an
appreciation for polygonal modeling techniques.
Section 2.4 described the components and attributes of polygonal objects. This
chapter will build on that knowledge, by introducing readers to the various ways
polygonal data can be modifi ed to create models of varying complexity. At the end
of this chapter is an exercise to help you practice your skills as a modeler. The same
model will be used in Chaps. 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , and 13 in other exercises related to
different aspects of making a fi nished 3D project.

6.2 Creation

6.2.1 Basic Modeling Tools

All CG animation and CAD applications come equipped with a basic set of very
similar tools. Each application has their own special tools that the others don't, but
the basic set is the same from application to application. This chapter explains what
these common tools are and how they work.
When modeling, all tools do only the following three things: add detail,
remove detail, or modify detail. The detail can be vertices, edges, faces, or full
objects, but every tool does one of these three things. They do it differently, giving
artists various ways to control how vertices, edges, and faces are added, deleted,
or moved, but in the end it is always good to remember that no tool is so essential
that it cannot be replaced by the transform tools that every application comes