Learning Curves and Surfaces…

Curves and Surfaces are critical in computer graphics, especially in graphics modeling. Also it is one of the most difficult areas in graphics since it requires a relative advanced mathematics ability.

These days I’m learning this part from three books: Real-time rendering 2nd, Fundamentals of Computer  Graphics, Interactive Computer Graphics. In my opinion:

‘Real-Time Rendering’ offers the most profound and extensive statement in this area. I love the writing style of this book. It will offer many references beyond itself. What’s more, it conveys much information through the least sentences.

‘Interactive Computer Graphics’ starts the explanation from a beginner’s perspective. I think this book deserves the best writing style among the three. Each step of deduction is detailed well. Though not as profound as ‘Real-Time Rendering 2nd’, it is the best for me a rookie.

‘Fundamentals of Computer Graphics’ just gives the curves part. No surfaces have been involved, which is weird enough. But as ICG, this book provides the detailed statement. (I don't think every chapter of this book is good. Some chapters are really not seriously treated. Some section even only contains a data table, without any accompanying words...)

I can tell how profound the area of ‘curves and surfaces’ is… I’ve heard that there’s even an individual course for it in another university..(I forgot its name). I know I can just obtain a general understanding via these 3 chapters from 3 books. I need to allocate a large chunk of time sometime in future to have a deep dig on the mathematics and curves and surfaces.