High-Poly vs. Low-Poly:
The two types of 3D polygonal models are generally low-poly and high-poly. The only difference between a high-poly model and a low-poly model is the number of polygons in it, since it is relative and not absolute. A high-poly model has detailed geometry and an actual polygon to model almost all small details.
Applications and Usage:
The high poly command is for static renderings like interior and object renderings, where photorealism of images and high resolution of images matter. To render a single frame can eat so much time for that. Definitely, that is not enough to be applied in real time, such as games or moving graphic designs.
And, of course, low-poly models work best in games or animations, where visual realism is irrelevant. It is possible to create these models either being built directly with a few polygons or de-polying more complicated models. High-poly models, on the other hand, come up with increasing the complexity of low-poly models or from the beginning with as many polygons as possible.
Creation Process and Tools:
Often, 3D polygonal models are made in the aforementioned software: actually, polygonal 3D modeling software such as 3Ds Max, Maya, and Cinema4D, or sculptural software such as Zbrush and 3D-Coat. Nowadays, modeling can also be done through 3D-scanning technology, which scans and optimizes the polygonal mesh.
Integration in Design and Animation:
High-poly and low-poly models are mixed in a game design and animation. One thing, however, is that those high-poly models are not used directly. These models are useful in the texture baking process. Basically, such image files, with unusual drawings, represent the model realistically and take some geometry from it. This way, in the final presentation, a 3D illusion is created on an object. But there is one drawback to such an effect-it best works when the viewer is at a 90-degree angle to the polygon containing such imitation. And with changing viewing angles, this technique’s effectiveness becomes lesser.
Optimization Techniques:
The introduction of LOD (Level of Detail) technology is one of the things to be kept in mind in 3D games. In effect, different models are used depending on how close an object is to a character or how much screen room it takes up. It is optimization here, of course. Nearer to the virtual camera, the more detailed the model becomes.