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Texture coordinates, often referred to as UV coordinates, are a set of values used in computer graphics to map a two-dimensional texture image onto a three-dimensional model. These coordinates are typically represented by two floating-point numbers, U and V, ranging from 0.0 to 1.0. The U coordinate corresponds to the horizontal axis of the texture, and the V coordinate corresponds to the vertical axis.

When texturing a 3D object, each vertex of the object is assigned a texture coordinate. These coordinates tell the graphics system where on the texture image to sample the color for that specific point on the model's surface. By interpolating these coordinates across the faces of the 3D model, the entire texture can be applied seamlessly.

The term "UV" comes from the common convention of using U and V as the names for the two texture coordinate axes, analogous to X and Y for spatial coordinates. This mapping process is crucial for adding visual detail, color, and surface properties like roughness or reflectivity to 3D models, transforming them from simple geometric shapes into realistic-looking objects. Without texture coordinates, 3D models would appear as solid, untextured surfaces.