The term “Computer Graphics” was first used in 1960 by William Fetter, a graphic designer for Boeing. The field of computer graphics began to grow with the emergence of advancing computer technology and hardware. Basically, the term “computer graphics” can be used to describe anything that is on a computer that is not text or sound. Computer generated imagery can be categorized into 3 main types: 2-D, 3-D, and animated graphics.
2-D
The 2-D image is a computer-based image that is, of course, two dimensional. It was started in the 1950s based on the vector graphics devices. The two-dimensional image was primarily used in applications that were similar to the traditional printing and drawing techniques, such as cartography, technical drawing, typography, etc. Normally, the 2-D image is not a representation of a real-life object, but an independent object. Therefore, a 2-D graphic is sometimes preferred because it is easier to control than a 3D image.
3-D
The 3-D image a three-dimensional representation that is constructed on three planes (X,Y and Z). Often, a 2-D program can be used to illustrate a 3-D object, however, it must be created as a 3-D object in a 3-D program to interactively rotate the object. The 3-D process has three phases 3D modeling , layout and animation, and 3D rendering .
Animated Graphics
Animation is the rapid display of a 2-D or 3-D artwork or model. The animation is the result of an optical illusion of motion using the 3-D or 2-D models and it can be created using a number of various techniques. The most common technique is a motion picture or video programs.
3-D and Computer Animation Resources
- NASA 3D Files & Resources
- JAVA 3-D
- 3-D Tutorials
- TurboSquid: The largest library of 3D products
- 3-D Valley Tutorials
- TurboSquid: The largest library of 3D products
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