POLYGONS
Visual scenes are usually drawn using a series of polygons. Because polygons require computer time to render, it is often desired to minimize the number of polygons in a scene. Techniques, such as using the viewer's memory to fill in detail, are often used to this end. For example, a simple box and triangle may be used to represent a house and roof. Rectangles may be added for doors and windows. However, if increased realism is desired, more polygons are required.
The scene here can be recognized as a series of mountains and valleys.
However, any detail must be supplied by the viewer. This scene is rendered
using approximately 150 polygons.
This version of the same scene requires about 1500 polygons. It
is far easier for the viewer to "see" more detail in this view.
Other techniques other than just increasing the number of polygons may be used to increase the realism of a scene. For example, the two views below use shading and texture mapping.
