CAD Fundamentals, Geometry & Modeling Theory explains the ideas that make computer-aided design possible. It covers the meaning of CAD, the main modeling paradigms, mathematical geometry, coordinate systems, topology, tessellation, geometric kernels and numerical precision. This section gives beginners a clear starting point while also providing advanced reference material for designers, engineers, developers and researchers.
Explore This CADpedia Section
Use this section to build a strong vocabulary before studying software-specific commands or advanced engineering workflows.
Introduction to CAD
Key topics include What Is CAD?, Computer-Aided Design Definition, CAD vs CADD, CAD vs Manual Drafting, CAD vs BIM, and CAD vs CAM. Additional entries will expand the subject with definitions, methods, examples and related standards.
Representative topics: What Is CAD?, Computer-Aided Design Definition, CAD vs CADD, CAD vs Manual Drafting, CAD vs BIM, CAD vs CAM, CAD vs CAE, CAD vs GIS.
Types of CAD
Key topics include 2D CAD, 2.5D CAD, 3D CAD, Mechanical CAD, Architectural CAD, and Civil CAD. Additional entries will expand the subject with definitions, methods, examples and related standards.
Representative topics: 2D CAD, 2.5D CAD, 3D CAD, Mechanical CAD, Architectural CAD, Civil CAD, Electrical CAD, Electronic CAD.
Modeling Paradigms
This branch divides modeling paradigms into Parametric Modeling, Direct Modeling, Solid Modeling, Surface Modeling, Mesh and Polygonal Modeling, Subdivision and Organic Modeling, Procedural and Algorithmic Modeling, and Implicit and Voxel Modeling. Each area has its own category for focused reference articles.
- Parametric Modeling
- Direct Modeling
- Solid Modeling
- Surface Modeling
- Mesh and Polygonal Modeling
- Subdivision and Organic Modeling
- Procedural and Algorithmic Modeling
- Implicit and Voxel Modeling
Computational Geometry
This branch divides computational geometry into Basic Geometry, Curves, Surfaces, Topology, Coordinate Systems and Transformations, and Tessellation. Each area has its own category for focused reference articles.
Geometric Modeling Kernels
Key topics include What Is a Geometric Kernel?, Parasolid, ACIS, Open CASCADE Technology, C3D Toolkit, and CGM Core Modeler. Additional entries will expand the subject with definitions, methods, examples and related standards.
Representative topics: What Is a Geometric Kernel?, Parasolid, ACIS, Open CASCADE Technology, C3D Toolkit, CGM Core Modeler, Granite, ShapeManager.
Numerical Precision and Robustness
Key topics include Floating-Point Precision, Modeling Tolerance, Geometric Accuracy, Coincident Geometry, Small Edge Problems, and Sliver Faces. Additional entries will expand the subject with definitions, methods, examples and related standards.
Representative topics: Floating-Point Precision, Modeling Tolerance, Geometric Accuracy, Coincident Geometry, Small Edge Problems, Sliver Faces, Self-Intersections, Degenerate Geometry.
How CADpedia Organizes This Knowledge
Each topic is developed as a separate encyclopedic entry. Definitions explain the terminology, reference pages document standards and formats, software profiles describe platforms, and practical entries connect the concepts to professional workflows. Related pages are linked across categories so readers can move from theory to software, standards, files and industry applications without repeating the same information.