3.2.1 3D Shape Specification

Three-dimensional objects are created in the computer by simply using triangles or quadrangles. Each three-dimensional shape is made up of a combination of the following three elements:

  1. Vertices (corners)
  2. Edges (lines) that connect vertices
  3. Planes (surfaces) surrounded by edges

You can render any three-dimensional object on the computer by creating a detailed database of these three elements.