The psychology of the polygon
Understanding how the things work behind the scene is often the way to do a better work so what is a polygon ?
A polygon for the processor is ALWAYS composed from three vertex that contain each three space coordinate (X,Y,Z) and virtualy connected by line. (the computer know that the polygon 'N' is connected in order to vertex 'N', 'N1' and 'N3')
Polygon can share the vertex so one vertex can be part of many polygon but one polygon can have only THREE vertex.
How the processor know if a polygon face you ? simple the order of the vertex will determine if the polygon face you or not. if the vertex are COUNTERCLOCKWISE connected then the poly face you. When in CLOCKWISE order the processor reject its drawing this is know as "BACKFACE CULLING"
In 3dMax you can build polygon "by hand" creating vertex and connecting them to make a "face" this is sometime useful to correct object's error or make some change in it.
While in an object go to "edit mesh" "vertex mode" click on the "create" button and click on a view three time. then go to "face mode" click on the "build face" button (your vertex appear) and than click on the three vertex in counterclockwise order... you have built one polygon.
Hit back to return to main page