Pinnanmalli

Pinnanmalli, or surface model, is a mathematical or computational representation of the outer surface of a three-dimensional object. It describes the geometry of a surface and, depending on the context, may also encode texture, curvature, and other properties. The term is used across fields such as computer graphics, computer-aided design (CAD), geology, and geography, and is often translated as surface model or surface representation in English.

Surface models can be categorized by how they describe geometry. Parametric surfaces define points on the surface as a function of two parameters, commonly using frameworks such as Bézier surfaces, B-splines, and NURBS. Implicit surfaces describe the surface as the zero set of a function F(x, y, z) = 0, which is useful for certain analytical and modeling purposes. Polygonal surfaces, or meshes, represent the surface with connected polygons (typically triangles or quads) and are widely used in real-time rendering and finite element method simulations.

Data for pinnanmalli can come from various sources, including CAD data, 3D scanning, photogrammetry, or algorithmic generation. The choice of representation affects how the model is rendered, edited, simulated, and analyzed. Applications range from visual effects, product design, and architectural visualization to geoscience, GIS, and structural analysis.

Advantages and limitations vary by representation. Parametric and implicit models can offer smooth, precise surfaces and easy analytical manipulation, while polygonal meshes are versatile and efficient for rendering and simulation but may require refinement to achieve high fidelity. The appropriate surface model depends on the intended use, required accuracy, and computational constraints.