Computer graphics is important in many areas including engineering design, architecture, education, and computer art and animation. This book examines a wide array of current methods used in creating real-looking objects in the computer, one of the main aims of computer graphics. Key features:* good foundational mathematical introduction to curves and surfaces; no advanced math required* Topics organized by different interpolation/approximation techniques, each technique giving useful information about curves and surfaces* Exposition motivated by numerous examples and exercises sprinkled throughout, aiding the computer science (architecture), engineer and applied math students in CAD areas* Includes a library of color images, Mathematica code listings and sections on curves & surfaces by refinement and on sweep surfaces* Web site maintained and updated by the author, providing readers with errata and auxiliary materialThis engaging text is geared to a broad and general readership of computer science/architecture engineers using computer graphics to design objects, programmers for computer gamemakers, applied mathematicians, and students majoring in computer graphics and its applications.