Two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) computer graphics are all around us and enable us to be able to visualize and manipulate data everyday. What is the difference between 2D and 3D computer graphics, such as 3D Models? Let’s explore the difference and similarities between them.

2D computer graphics

2D computer graphics are digital images that are computer-based. They include 2D geometric models, such as image compositions, pixel art, digital art, photographs, and text. 2D graphics are used everyday on traditional printing and drawing. There are two kinds of 2D computer graphics – raster and vector graphics.

Raster graphics or bitmaps are composed of arrays of pixels. Each pixel can be a different color or shade. They are edited on the pixel level and are used on most old computer and video games, graphing calculator games, and many mobile phone games. Vector graphics are composed of paths. Paths are used to describe the images by establishing mathematical relationships between points within an image. Vector graphics are mainly used on photographic images.

3D computer graphics

3D computer graphics are graphics that use 3D representation of geometric data. This geometric data is then manipulated by computers via 3D computer graphics software in order to customize their display, movements, and appearance. 3D computer graphics are often referred to as 3d models. A 3d model is a mathematical representation of geometric data that is contained in a data file. 3D models, can be used for real-time 3D viewing in animations, videos, movies, training, simulations, architectural visualizations or for display as 2D rendered images (2D renders).

In contrast to a 2D graphics, a 3D model is a “mathematical representation of any 3D object.” A 3D model is not technically a graphic until it is visually displayed as a 2D image through a process called 3D rendering. 3D models can also be or used in non-graphical computer simulations and calculations.

One of the advantages that 2D graphics have over 3D models is that they allow more direct control of the image and are easier to change with relatively simple software packages. 3D models are not so easy to change because it requires specific 3D modeling skills and more complex and powerful 3D model software.

3D models use many of the same mathematical algorithms as 2D vector graphics in the wire frame model. Also, when 3d models they are finally displayed as renders, they use similar algorithms as the 2D raster graphics. 3D models use many of the 2D rendering techniques, while 2D computer graphics use many of the 3D techniques to achieve realistic effects such as lighting.

 



Fig.1 3D Architectural Visualization of an office space



Fig.2 3D model of Arab battlefield commonly used for military training, simulations, and 3D games



Fig.3 2D renders a BMW M3 cabriolet 2008 3d model vehicle



Fig.4 The wireframe of a 3D model of a Volkswagen Beetle

 

The field of computer graphics has developed alongside the development of the digital computer. In 1959, MIT’s Lincoln Labs TX-2 computer gave birth to the field of interactive computer graphics. By the mid 1960’s major corporations, such as TRW, Lockheed, General Electric and Sperry Rand, had already started research and development in computer graphics. IBM’s 2250 graphics terminal was the first commercially available graphics computer.

In 1969, the Association of Computing Machinery (ACM) initiated a Special Interest Group on Graphics and Interactive Techniques (SIGGRAPH) to promote the generation and dissemination of information on computer graphics and interactive techniques. SIGGRAPH interests include simulation and modeling, computer generated art, digital motion analysis, text editing and composition, cartography and mapping, computer aided design, and computer graphics software and hardware.

During the 1970s, personal computers became more powerful, and were more capable of drawing complex shapes and designs.

In the late 1980s, 3D computer graphics, such as 3D models, became possible with the SGI computers and graphical user interfaces (GUI). GUI presented data (input and output) and information with symbols, icons and images, rather than text. The SGI computers were used to create some of the first fully computer-generated short films at Pixar. Today, Apple’s Macintosh system remains one of the most popular choices for computer graphics in graphic design studios and businesses.

In the 1990’s, 3D image renderings became the main advances in the computer graphics industry and it stimulated cinematic graphics applications. VGA and SVGA standards were introduced and since then, personal computers could easily display photo-realistic images and movies.

Since then, computer graphics have become more realistic, due to more advanced computers, 3D techniques, and better 3D modeling software and applications. With the rising popularity of games, multimedia, and animation, 3D graphics have become more popular.

In 1996, one of the first fully 3D games, Quake, was released. In 1995, Toy Story, the first full-length computer-generated animation film, was released. In 2001, powerful computer hardware graphics GeForce series by NVIDIA’s was released. In 2003 ID Software graphics engine was released in Doom3 game.

Computer Graphics are widely used today. From graphics presentations to virtual reality worlds and entertainment, computer graphics have a far reaching impact of our everyday lives.



Fig.1 3D Model of a City