A Topological Picture Book, Rendered
This article describes a digital rendering project that visualizes complex topological surfaces using hand-hatched, pen-and-ink style techniques. The software uses GPU-based visibility and curvature-based stroke placement to mimic traditional mathematical illustration styles.
Why it matters
It demonstrates an intersection between classical mathematical visualization and modern computer graphics, providing a tool for academic and artistic exploration of topology.
Hand-hatched surfaces after the mid-century manner of Francis, Ap ry, Hilbert - Cohn-Vossen. Drag to turn the model freely (shift-drag to roll it); scroll to approach.
The zero set is triangulated by marching tetrahedra; normals are taken from f.
Stroke spacing re-traces the hatching when you release the slider.
Labels are hand-lettered, pinned to the surface, drag to move them, double-click to remove; they dim when their point is hidden.
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