Texture mapping applies an image to a geometric primitive.


Texture mapping can dramatically increase realism without having to geometrically model fine details.

Greg’s first “law” of computer graphics:  If it looks right, it is right.

Texture mapping can be used for many purposes, including

• Simulating materials (bricks, wood, etc.)
• Reducing geometric complexity (polygons)
• Image processing
• Reflections, shadows

The advantage of texture mapping is that visual detail is in the image, not in the geometry. Thus, the complexity of an image does not affect the vertex processing in OpenGL.

High