Abstract: A three-dimensional texture is mapped onto a graphically-displayed surface by interpolating locations for elements of the texture using an associated distance relationship which locates the element with respect to the surface and a reference location spaced a distance apart from the surface. A first array of points representing the surface are stored, each of the points having an element of the three-dimensional texture and a distance to the element associated therewith. Upon a command to move the displayed surface, a new location for each point of the first array is computed, to obtain a second array representing the moved surface. A location for each element of the three-dimensional texture associated with each point of the first array is interpoled from the corresponding point in the second array and a reference location spaced apart from the moved surface.