This paper, which is aimed at lay scientists, provides a review of methods of shape description used in computer graphics. Topics covered include interactive creation of scenes, piecewise analytic surfaces, input methods for shape data, solid modeling, swept surfaces, algorithmically defined surfaces, free-form curved surfaces, and a brief mention of animation and color. Two figures are used to illustrate some of the ideas.

A major, positive aspect of the paper is that the author states clearly what is currently possible, what the limitations are (both in human and computer terms), and what is needed next. However, in a couple of places he has not mentioned key ideas for readers wishing to find out more. CSG modelers are mentioned, but boundary representation ones are not; Coons patches are mentioned while Bézier and B-Spline patches are not. (Coons is mistakenly referred to as Coon in the text). One factual error is that the author titles the section on swept surfaces “Developable Surfaces,” which is not the same thing, from the point of view of differential geometry.

On the whole though, the paper meets its basic aims as an introductory exposition. The author covers both technical methods and human aspects.