Computer generated three-dimensional representations of objects

Today scientists can create, with the aid of a personal computer three-dimensional (3D) representations of objects—a specific data base, containing not only the space coordinates and colours of all points of an object, but also allowing it be examined from a bird's-eye point of view. The data base reveals the characteristic features of the object as a whole and allows them to be named. Examples of 3D representations are given and the principles of their creation and viewing are discussed.