3D Computer Graphics (3rd Edition)
by Alan Watt
No Better Book To Learn From
The third edition of Alan Watts 3D Computer Graphics, a bible of computer
graphics, includes a CD-ROM full of examples and updated information on
graphics and rendering algorithms. The book discusses many of the
techniques that have evolved in the seven years since the previous edition
was published. 3D Computer Graphics is a textbook, and its designed for
serious programmers creating graphics applications (not end users). Over
the course of 16 sections, Watt introduces the concepts and
implementation of computer imaging, from Mathematical Fundamentals of
Computer Graphics to Representation and Rendering and ending with
Image-Based Rendering and Photo-Modeling. The last section, devoted to
computer animation, includes methods for linked structures, collision
detection, and particle animation (to name a few). Although the topics are
sometimes hard to grasp, Mr. Watt writes clearly and concisely, making
generous use of diagrams to help convey the principles described in the
text. The accompanying CD-ROM includes over a dozen studies of

computer graphics techniques and rendering algorithms. Presented in
HTML, the exhaustive studies, each with a matrix of thumbnails,
demonstrates the varied achievable results. One minor complaint here:
although the thumbnails can be clicked to view a much larger image, the
larger versions come in .tif format, which few (if any) Web browsers can
view. Users will need another application to view them. Having the large
image in .jpg format would have enabled the reader to view it in the
already-open Web browser. 3D Computer Graphics is ideally suited to
graphics programmers and researchers working to create new medical
imaging devices; geological research systems; virtual structural testing
systems for aircraft, cars, and spacecraft; or effects and photorealistic
Hollywood animation. --Mike Caputo
Personal Review: 3D Computer Graphics (3rd Edition) by Alan
Watt
I have an earlier version of this book and I've always found it to be one that
I return to time and again. It was one of the first three graphics
programming books I bought during the same early career book shopping
session, it was definately the most useful of the three and it's stayed with
me ever since, where other books have been and gone.It's generally very
easy to read and very informative. It has a good progression of topics that
introduce the reader to graphics programming concepts.The thing I most
like about this is that it covers much of the foley and van dam book, but
avoids the many irrelevant sections and is a little more to the point. It's like
a more concise reference to that book, which is also one that I would
recommend.The only thing I don't like about the updated version is the new
layout, typeface and style. The old version just seems so much more
appealing to me.If you program game or computer graphics, then this is a
reliable book to have in your collection.
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