Reading https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polygon_mesh (very instructive), I follow links
smoothing to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subdivision_surface , and
simplification to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Level_of_detail .
Do these describe what smoothing and simplification mean in RC?
So smoothing seems to add polygons, simplification reduces no of polygons? Is it at all useful to think of these as similar process but going in opposite directions?
Never thought about smoothing adding polygons but thinking about it there seems no other way, really.
So I guess you can say that.
I never use it though - the effects of a good simplification are similar and there is the added benefit of fewer polys…
Thanks Gotz.
So, “Do these Wikis describe what smoothing and simplification mean in RC?”
Anyone?
And depth map https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depth_map - is this what it means in RC?
Related heightmap https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heightmap almost describes it better,
Hi Tom,
yes, that is what depth map means! 
Is there any other definition?
Do you want to know the exact mathematics for smoothing and simplification in RC or just generally?
I always thought I am pushing it with trying to understand things, but you beat me by orders of magnitude! 