Peter MacMurchy
Plants and plant organs are commonly modeled using skeletal techniques. Plant structure is then described in terms of axes, around which limb surfaces are built using standard geometric modeling techniques, such as generalized cylinders or implicit surfaces. In this research, an alternative, based on the use of subdivision techniques, is described. The approach is to build a simple polygon mesh around the skeleton and use a surface subdivision algorithm to get a smooth surface. Special attention is given to the modeling of surfaces surrounding branching points. It is shown that subdivision surfaces provide a useful alternative to approaches based on implicit surfaces. The method is illustrated using models of tree branches and compound leaves.
Peter MacMurchy. The Use of Subdivision Surfaces in the Modeling of Plants. M.Sc. thesis, University of Calgary, April 2004.