2008

Continuity Level
Levels of curve continuity:
Left: C0, because of the angle at the top
Middle: C1, at the top a semicircle joins a semicircle of smaller radius
Right: C2, the difference is subtle but the right side is not semicircular and blends with
the left
The level of continuity is a way to describe curvature. A curve with an angular
cusp is C0 continuous. The curve is continuous but its derivative is not. A
curve whose curvature changes has C1 continuity. The curve and its derivative
are both continuous but its second derivative is not. A curve with
uninterrupted, unchanging curvature has C2 continuity. NURBS curves must
have at least C0 continuity; a continuity level greater than C2 is unnecessary
for most 3D computer modeling.
7744 | Glossary