Abstract: A computer-implemented method for modeling a three-dimensional image with polygons having different levels of detail. The method includes initially modeling the three-dimensional image with a first plurality of polygons at a first level of detail. The first level of detail represent the coarsest level of detail available for modeling the three-dimensional image. The first plurality of polygons are provided as part of an input data set. The method further includes comparing a distance between a first polygon of the first plurality of polygons and an eye point to a predefined threshold distance value associated with a level of detail of the first polygon. If the distance is less than the predefined threshold distance value, the method substitutes in a second plurality of polygons for the first polygon.

Abstract: A method for generating a graphical representation for two or more graphical entities that may be displayed at different levels of representation (e.g. resolutions) is described. A first tile is generated. Two or more representations for an interior region adjacent to an edge of the first tile ("seam representations") are generated. Each seam representation has the same peripheral shape (i.e. occupies the same region within the first tile), but a different interior configuration. A first representation of the interior region adjacent to the edge ("first seam representation") is displayed when an adjacent second tile is displayed adjacent to the edge. A second representation of the interior region ("second seam representation") is displayed when a third adjacent tile is displayed adjacent to the edge. The second adjacent tile may be associated with a level of detail that differs from the third adjacent tile. The first seam representation and the second seam representation are both formed of polygons.