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Representing, Storing and Visualizing 3D Data

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Abstract

In this chapter, we review methods for storing, modeling and visualizing 3D data. We focus in particular on representations for raw 3D data, surface-based and solid-based models. We describe and compare the various data structures available for representing triangular meshes and formats for mesh storage. We also provide details on three different subdivision schemes and explain how differential surface properties can be computed from different surface representations. In the context of data compression, we describe in detail the Quadric Error Metric algorithm for mesh simplification. Finally, we suggest areas for future work in this area and provide some concluding remarks.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Computer Science, University of York, York, YO10 5GH, UK

    William A. P. Smith

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  1. William A. P. Smith
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Correspondence to William A. P. Smith .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Computer Science, University of York, Deramore Lane, Heslington, York, YO10 5GH, United Kingdom

    Nick Pears

  2. Department of Computer Science, Aberystwyth University, Llandinam Building, Ceredigion, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DB, United Kingdom

    Yonghuai Liu

  3. Institute of Geography and Earth Science, Aberystwyth University, Penglais Campus, Ceredigion, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DB, United Kingdom

    Peter Bunting

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Smith, W.A.P. (2012). Representing, Storing and Visualizing 3D Data. In: Pears, N., Liu, Y., Bunting, P. (eds) 3D Imaging, Analysis and Applications. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-4063-4_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-4063-4_4

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  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4471-4063-4

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