By applying an image to the geometric model, the apparent complexity of the model is increased while preserving the function of vertices for specifying relative geometry within the model. For highly textured surfaces such as wood or stone, this would quickly dominate the positions of the vertices rather than the geometric shape of the object itself.

If you are familiar with the process of texture mapping and texture coordinates, you may want to skim the first few sections and jump straight to the specifics of the Java 3D implementation.ДЄs colors can only be associated with vertices in the model, if texture mapping was not used, a vertex would have to be located at every significant surface color transition. By the end of this chapter, you should be able to generate texture coordinates and apply a texture image to your geometry (e.g., figure 14.1). The process of applying a bitmap to geometry is called texture mapping and is often a highly effective way of achieving apparent scene complexity while still using a relatively modest number of vertices. Java 3D Programming.Chapter 14 CHAPTER 14 Using texture imagesДЎ4.3 Texture and multiple levels of detailДЎ4.5 Using transparent geometry with transparent texture images

Java 3d map