A mathematical technique for representing solid-appearing objects. Surface modeling is a more complex method for representing objects than wireframe modeling, but not as sophisticated as solid modeling. Surface modeling is widely used in CAD (computer-aided design) for illustrations and architectural renderings. It is also used in 3D animation for games and other presentations.
Although surface and solid models appear the same on screen, they are quite different. Surface models cannot be sliced open as can solid models. In addition, in surface modeling, the object can be geometrically incorrect; whereas, in solid modeling, it must be correct. See tessellation.
Although surface and solid models appear the same on screen, they are quite different. Surface models cannot be sliced open as can solid models. In addition, in surface modeling, the object can be geometrically incorrect; whereas, in solid modeling, it must be correct. See tessellation.
 | Reproduced with permission from Computer Desktop Encyclopedia. Copyright (c) 1981-2009 The Computer Language Company Inc. All rights reserved. |
Additional Resources
- Will EPA trump Congress on carbon? If so, watch the fur fly.
- For the sake of balanced debatewould you quit the condescending use of the word 'deniers' as if anyone presenting a differing view on climate change is of the lunatic fringe. You only end up looking irrational yourself. Fulfill your responsibility as journalist and present some opposing views to AWG, whether...
- Discussion threads 2009-09-04
- Laptop or desktop+netbook for back to school?
- It's almost August, folks. We all know what that means, right? If you don't already have a computer for school, you need to get one, PDQ. For some of you in K-12, your school might have a 1:1 program and you'll take a laptop home with you...
- Blog posts 2009-07-27
- modo 401 (Mac)
- Engineered For Flexibility modo was engineered to meet the challenges of the increasing demands of film, gaming, television, print and many other markets. modo combines a highly advanced real-time subdivision surface engine, fast, flexible and extensible modeling tools, and one of the most innovative and flexible user interfaces ever created....
- Software downloads 2009-06-24
- Strata 3D CX 6.0 (Mac)
- Powered by Strata's award winning photo-real rendering technology, Strata Design 3D CX is ideal for illustration, consumer product design, environmental design, motion graphics and interactive design. With an interface that Adobe users will recognize, Strata Design 3D CX connects to your design toolset with file linking to Photoshop, import of...
- Software downloads 2009-06-18
- AC3D 3D 6.5.28 (Mac)
- Create amazing 3D graphics with this popular and easy-to-use design software now available for Mac OS X. AC3D is used to create 3D models for games; virtual-reality/simulation software; scientific, medical, and general data visualizations; high-resolution 3D renderings and rapid prototyping of 3D designs. Features include a simple click-and-drag...
- Software downloads 2009-06-17
- Easy-Fit Express 1.0 (Windows)
- The software system solves constrained nonlinear parameter estimation problems. Synonyms are data fitting, nonlinear regression, parameter identification, curve and surface fitting. The numerical methods are based on highly efficient Gauss-Newton-SQP algorithms. Model functions are defined in a modeling language called PCOMP and are interpreted and evaluated during runtime.
- Software downloads 2009-03-27
- Easy-Fit ModelDesign 5.02 (Windows)
- The system solves constrained nonlinear parameter estimation (nonlinear regression, data, curve and surface fitting) problems based on ODEs, DAEs, PDEs, PDAEs, steady-state systems, Laplace equations, and analytical functions. A statistical analysis provides confidence intervals, correlation and covariance matrix, identification of significant parameters, and allows optimum experimental design. Model equations are...
- Software downloads 2009-03-27
- I've Seen the Future of Computing: It's a Screen.
- In the not so far off future, computing for most of us will be reduced to remotely delivered subscriber services, running on cheap, commodity high-definition display units. The last few weeks have been a rush of virtualization and cloud-based announcements. In December, IBM...
- Blog posts 2009-02-17
- Microsoft ThinkWeeks a thing of the past?
- Microsoft ThinkWeeks a thing of the past?BillG is still BillG, so is MSFTi don't think billG has been involved any less than before. maybe a little less in details. but other people's decision only matter if it is not going different way with his.RE: Microsoft ThinkWeeks a thing of the...
- Discussion threads 2009-02-12
- ImageSurfer 1.2 (Windows)
- ImageSurfer is a free 3D imaging program for microcopy. It allows investigators to visualize and analyze multi-channel 3D and 4D (time-lapse) volumes. ImageSurfer provides several image restoration tools including deconvolution algorithms (Wiener filter, constrained iterative and maximum likelihood) to remove blurring introduced by the imaging system. For visualization, ImageSurfer provides...
- Software downloads 2009-02-05
- Mesh To Solid for Bricscad 1.0 (Windows)
- Mesh To Solid for Bricscad is a polygon mesh to 3d solid conversion plug-in for Bricscad. This plug-in gives Bricscad the ability to convert a mesh into a solid. Mesh To Solid for Bricscad adds several commands along with a menu which houses them. Meshes are often used to describe...
- Software downloads 2009-01-02
- 3DM Export for Alibre Design 1.0 (Windows)
- 3DM Export for Alibre Design is an Rhinoceros 3DM file export add-on for Alibre Design�®. This add-on gives Alibre Design the ability to export 3D solid and surface data from a Alibre Design part and assembly document to polygon meshes in a Rhinoceros 3DM file. 3DM Export for Alibre Design...
- Software downloads 2009-01-02
- 3DS Import for SpaceClaim 1.0 (Windows)
- 3DS Import for SpaceClaim is a 3D Studio (.3ds) file import add-in for SpaceClaim. This add-in gives SpaceClaim the ability to import polygon mesh data from 3DS Studio 3DS files. 3DS Import for SpaceClaim reads polygon mesh data stored in 3DS files and imports it into SpaceClaim. A polygon mesh...
- Software downloads 2009-01-02
- 3DM Import for Inventor 1.0 (Windows)
- 3DM Import for Inventor is a Rhinoceros 3DM file import add-in for Inventor. This add-in gives Inventor the ability to import geometric data from 3DM files. 3DM Import for Inventor reads polygon mesh data stored in 3DM files and imports it into Inventor. A polygon mesh in a 3DM file...
- Software downloads 2009-01-01
- 3DM Export for Inventor 1.0 (Windows)
- 3DM Export for Inventor is a Rhinoceros (.3dm) file export add-in for Inventor�®. This add-in gives Inventor the ability to export 3D solid and surface data from a Inventor part or assembly document to 3d polygon meshes in a 3DM file. 3DM Export for Inventor tessellates solid bodies in a...
- Software downloads 2009-01-01
- 3DS Export for Inventor 1.0 (Windows)
- 3DS Export for Inventor is a 3D Studio 3DS file export add-in for Inventor. This add-in gives Inventor the ability to export 3D solid and surface data from a Inventor geometry to meshes in a 3DS file. 3DS Export for Inventor tessellates the solid bodies in an Inventor part or...
- Software downloads 2009-01-01
- SKP Import for Inventor 1.0 (Windows)
- SKP Import for Inventor is a SketchUp SKP file import add-in for Inventor�®. This add-in gives Inventor the ability to import geometric data from SketchUp SKP files. SKP Import for Inventor reads polygon mesh data stored in SKP files and imports it into Inventor. A polygon mesh in a SKP...
- Software downloads 2009-01-01
- Genesis Integral Object Designer 3.0 (Windows)
- Genesis IOD is a surface modeler and solid modeler software. This CAD plug-in has the power to generate complex and predictable objects, using only plane projections (2D view) of the design as input. It has the ability to create Meshes, Surfaces and Solid entities which can be Edited, Cut, Added,...
- Software downloads 2008-12-28
- Argon 8 SP1 (Windows)
- Argon offers entry-level 3D modeling without the commitment of high-end professional packages. It contains the same solid and surface modeling, rendering engine and animation tools found in Cobalt and Xenon, but without the high-end mechanical design and extreme productivity features you may not need--yet. For both Macintosh and Windows, Argon...
- Software downloads 2008-12-08
- Silo 2.1.1 (Windows)
- Silo 2 is a focused 3D modeling application with the ability to effortlessly switch between organically sculpting high-polygon models and precisely controlling hard-edged surfaces. It can be used for anything from creating 3D characters for video games and movies to quickly exploring 3D architectural ideas. Silo is being used at...
- Software downloads 2008-09-03
Neighboring Terms
Premier Vendor Content Whitepapers, webcasts & resources from our Power Center Sponsors
- The best support in the Linux business
-
If Linux is going to power your mission-critical applications, you'd better have the best support known to business. Novell was rated the top provider of Linux technical support.
- Learn more >>
- Keep Up With The Latest In Document Management with The DocuMentor.
-
Doc delivers the scoop on today's enterprise content management, printer maintenance, and all other issues related to document management. It's the DocuMentor Blog.
- Learn more >>
- New Online Dashboard for IT Leaders
-
Read about top issues IT decision-makers face every day, plus get cost-effective solutions to real-life IT problems.
- Learn more >>
- Save time with automated shipping solutions
-
The Business Essentials Guide provides you useful tools and templates to help grow your business and save you time with automated shipping solutions.
- Visit the UPS Business Essentials Guide
Meet Doc
-
-
Here to help you with your Document Management Needs
- Check out Doc’s Blog on ZDNet
- Help your company, help the earth I want to share with you the Environmental Defense Fund Paper Calculator, which allows you to gauge your organization's environmental impact.
- Which is Greener: Paper or Digital? The Answer May Surprise You Anything we can do to reduce paper consumption is good. But what about the impact of digital waste?
-
Produced by
ZDNet and -
