Subdivision Surfaces (SDS) are a technique in 3D modeling that refines and smooths polygonal meshes by recursively subdividing each face into smaller faces. The process generates new vertices, edges, and faces while maintaining the original shape’s topology.

The primary principle of SDS is to use simple rules for subdivision, such as Catmull-Clark or Loop schemes. These rules define how new points are generated based on their neighboring vertices’ positions, ensuring continuity and smoothness across the surface.

SDS improves 3D geometry quality by providing more control over the model’s level of detail. Artists can work with a low-poly base mesh, refining only specific areas needing higher resolution. This adaptability allows for efficient memory usage and faster rendering times compared to high-resolution models without SDS.
Additionally, SDS maintains the model’s overall structure, making it easier to edit and animate. Smooth transitions between different levels of detail are achieved through interpolation, resulting in visually appealing models without artifacts or creases.

Computational cost remains reasonable due to the hierarchical nature of SDS. Lower levels of subdivision can be used for real-time applications like games, while higher levels are reserved for offline rendering in films or visualizations. This flexibility ensures optimal performance without sacrificing visual fidelity.