This concise text on geometry with computer modeling presents some
elementary methods for analytical modeling and visualization of curves
and surfaces. The author systematically examines such powerful tools
as 2-D and 3-D animation of geometric images, transformations,
shadows, and colors, and then further studies more complex problems in
differential geometry.
Well-illustrated with more than 350 figures---reproducible using Maple
programs in the book---the work is devoted to three main areas:
curves, surfaces, and polyhedra. Pedagogical benefits can be found in
the large number of Maple programs, some of which are analogous to C++
programs, including those for splines and fractals. To avoid tedious
typing, readers will be able to download many of the programs from the
Birkhauser web site.
Aimed at a broad audience of students, instructors of mathematics,
computer scientists, and engineers who have knowledge of analytical
geometry, i.e., method of coordinates, this text will be an excellent
classroom resource or self-study reference. With over 100 stimulating
exercises, problems and solutions, {it Geometry of Curves and
Surfaces with Maple} will integrate traditional differential and non-
Euclidean geometries with more current computer algebra systems in a
practical and user-friendly format.