Here Glen Moyes shows us the fundamentals of Subdivision Surfaces, one of the most important areas of 3d modelling.

Subdivision Surfaces allow us to smooth a polygonal object to create nicely rounded models for both organic and mechanical models.  This technique is widely used by artists because it allows us to use a low resolution model (called a hull or cage) which is converted to a high resolution rounded model.  Subdivision surfaces also provide a the base for more complicated forms of modelling like Digital Sculpting.

Running Time: 4 mins 44 sec

Knowledge of these concepts is required:
The Polygon, Multisided Polygons

Subdivision Surface: A popular method of modelling using a "low resolution" polygon mesh which is then smoothed to produce a well rounded model. It's advantage is producing high polygon results while only creating a low polygon base mesh. This term is commonly shortened to SubDivs or SubD.

Some programs have different names for Subdivision Surfaces, Cinema 3d calls them Hyper NURBS, Lightwave used to call them Meta NURBS.

Base Mesh: The subdivision model without applying any smoothing. Also called a cage or hull mesh.

Smoothing Artifacts: Unwanted smoothing problems caused by bad topology

Inline Edge: An extra line of topology that allows control of corners in Subdivision modelling.

Pole: Where 3, 5 or more edges meet. While 4 meeting edges might be called a 4 sided pole it is rarely refered to as one because it is considered normal in subdivision surfaces.

Topology: The wireframe pattern of a mesh.

Polygon: A flat surface that forms the basic building block of a 3d model

Quad: A four sided polygon.