3D Computer Graphics (3rd Edition) (Hardcover)

by Alan Watt (Author) "Transformations are important tools in generating three-dimensional scenes..." (more)
Key Phrases: view plane window, reflected view vector, local reflection models, Colour Plate, Monte Carlo, Jurassic Park (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
The third edition of Alan Watt's 3D Computer Graphics, a bible of computer graphics, includes a CD-ROM full of examples and updated information on graphics and rendering algorithms. The book discusses many of the techniques that have evolved in the seven years since the previous edition was published.

3D Computer Graphics is a textbook, and it's designed for serious programmers creating graphics applications (not end users). Over the course of 16 sections, Watt introduces the concepts and implementation of computer imaging, from "Mathematical Fundamentals of Computer Graphics" to "Representation and Rendering" and ending with "Image-Based Rendering and Photo-Modeling." The last section, devoted to computer animation, includes methods for linked structures, collision detection, and particle animation (to name a few).

Although the topics are sometimes hard to grasp, Mr. Watt writes clearly and concisely, making generous use of diagrams to help convey the principles described in the text.

The accompanying CD-ROM includes over a dozen studies of computer graphics techniques and rendering algorithms. Presented in HTML, the exhaustive studies, each with a matrix of thumbnails, demonstrates the varied achievable results. One minor complaint here: although the thumbnails can be clicked to view a much larger image, the larger versions come in .tif format, which few (if any) Web browsers can view. Users will need another application to view them. Having the large image in .jpg format would have enabled the reader to view it in the already-open Web browser.

3D Computer Graphics is ideally suited to graphics programmers and researchers working to create new medical imaging devices; geological research systems; virtual structural testing systems for aircraft, cars, and spacecraft; or effects and photorealistic Hollywood animation. --Mike Caputo

Product Description
Acts as a complete resource for anyone interested in 3D modelling, providing detailed coverage of both realistic and nonrealistic images. Deals with the processes involved in converting a mathematical or geometric description of an object (a computer graphics model) into a visualization (2D) that simulates the appearance of a real object.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 592 pages
• Publisher: Addison Wesley; 3 edition (December 16, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0201398559
• ISBN-13: 978-0201398557
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 7.6 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #310,522 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good, not great, April 7, 2000

By A Customer

I suppose if you've been around the block with respect to computer graphics, you could do very well with this book. Watt covers all sorts of topics- with ray tracing and radiosity providing a very large section of the text's coverage.

Unfortunately, for the beginner it's too overwhelming. There is relatively little coverage of linear algebra and the other mathematical basics needed for understanding much of what Watt is talking about. Often times, the author will mention a technique or subject of some sort about which a novice to the field will have no idea whatsoever. It gets confusing at times.

The chapters themselves are also organized in an "unusual" fashion- for instance, spline curves are introduced right at the beginning with an in-depth coverage sure to scare off anyone new to the field. More basic ideas- such as how 3d transformations actually work- are deferred until later chapters.

And while some chapters are quite well-written, the more advanced subjects (ray-tracing and radiosity) are often plunged into in-depth without enough preparation, leaving most readers scratching their heads as to what in the world is going on.

With all that said, Watt's book should prove useful to anyone reasonably familiar with 3D graphics who might be looking to understand more advanced concepts. It's a well-written book (aside from a few typos), just not one for the uninitiated.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent second book for graphics, November 19, 2000

By	Peter S. Shirley (Salt Lake City, UT USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The other reviews are right that this is not a beginner's book. However, it is a terrific book for those that are familiar with the basics of graphics and want to learn a very modern view of modeling and rendering. There are a few rough spots, but overall the book is well-written, nicely illustrated, and extremely up-to-date. Also, the author really seems to understand the material in both rendering and modeling. That alone makes the book a real treat.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars No Better Book to Learn From, March 29, 2001

By	"musicalbuzz" (Atlanta, GA United States) - See all my reviews

Contrary to what the other reviews say, I believe this is an excellent book for beginners in the 3D computer graphics world. However, that being said, you will need some basic math skills to be able to understand and apply the concepts in this book. If you are unfamilar with linear algebra, you should probably start with studying up on your math skills first. With the basic math skills, this book does a great job of introducing the basics to almost every major topic you'll see in 3D computer graphics programming. The book doesn't go into great detail at times, but the simplicity of this book is the winning ingredient that allows beginners to grasp the basics before moving on to indepth research in paticular topics of 3D graphics that interest them.