Computer Graphics
Computer graphics is extensive, complex and diversified technology. Computer
Graphics is a field of computer science that is concerned with digitally
synthesizing and manipulating visual contents. It a technique of manipulate visual
and geometric information using computational techniques. Computer graphics
refers to the creation, storage and manipulation of pictures and drawings using
a digital computer. Computer graphics are pictures that are generated by a
computer using different technique. With developments in computing technology
interactive computer graphics has become an effective tool for presentation of
information in such diverse fields as science, engineering, medicine, business,
industry, government, art, entertainment, advertising, education, and training.
There is virtually no field in which graphical displays cannot be used to some
advantage and that is the basic reason why application of computer graphics is
so widespread.
Graphical representation makes the study of anything
much more interesting. It is a fact that one picture is worth a thousand words.
So quite naturally interfaces empowered with Graphics enhances the
communication between the computer and its users. Representation of a huge
numbers in the form of a graph or a picture helps in better understanding and
interpretation of the characteristics or pattern of the data contained in the
set of numbers. Graphic displays also improve understanding complex systems,
and visualization of two-dimensional (2D), three-dimensional (3D) objects.
Two major 2D graphic types: Bitmap (Raster) and Vector
images.
Raster Graphics
Raster Graphics consist of illustrations created using pixels; Rectangular
grid of cells of equal size and each cell has its own color. These cells are
also called pixels. Raster graphics are also called bitmaps. Digital
photographs are the most common type of raster graphics.
Digital photographs in general are raster
graphics. Digital camera, uses a certain number of megapixels. This refers to
the number of pixels used for a single picture. A defining characteristic of a
raster graphic is that when it’s zoomed in very closely, it start to show the
actual pixels.
An important property of a raster graphic is its
resolution. Resolution indicates the amount of detail, so a higher resolution
means more detail. Higher resolution means more pixels, which is why a larger
number of megapixels for a digital camera results in sharper photographs.
Vector graphics
Vector graphics consist of illustrations created using line work. In
technical terms, you use points, lines, curves and shapes to create the
illustration. Vector graphics are based on vectors, also referred to as paths. One
of the key characteristics of a vector graphic is that the line work is sharp,
even when zoomed in very closely. In a computer application, the line work is
stored as a mathematical formula that describes the exact shape of the line. So
when its zoomed in, remains a line.
Photo-realistic illustration that is not actually
a photograph, the illustration typically consists of very detailed vector
graphic containing hundreds or thousands of lines. Vector graphics are created
and edited using illustration software. There are a number of different
illustration applications. One of the most widely used ones is Illustrator by Adobe.
Others include CorelDraw by the Corel Corporation and the open source applications
Inkscape and Xara Xtreme. Vector graphics can be stored in a number of different
file formats, including AI, EMF, SVG and MWF.
