Geometry of Curves and Surfaces with MAPLE - Practical Geometry

In this review of Geometry of Curves and Surfaces with MAPLE, the reviewer finds a focused, practical textbook best suited for students and practitioners who want hands-on geometric modeling using symbolic computation. The book's single biggest strength is its combination of clear coordinate-based geometry and extensive computer modeling material, including numerous Maple programs and over 350 illustrations that bring abstract curves and surfaces to life for readers familiar with analytic geometry.

Key Features

• Illustrations: Over 350 figures help visualize complex curves and surfaces, making theoretical ideas immediately accessible.
• Maple programs: A large number of ready-to-run Maple scripts are provided, enabling readers to reproduce and extend examples without starting from scratch.
• Animation tools: Built-in examples for 2-D and 3-D animation demonstrate transformations, shadows, and color effects to enhance understanding of dynamic geometry.
• Practical orientation: The text emphasizes computational techniques and examples that are directly applicable to engineering, computer graphics, and scientific visualization.
• Accessible prerequisites: The book assumes knowledge of analytic geometry, making it approachable for advanced undergraduates and graduate students with coordinate-method experience.

Who It's For

This title is aimed at students, instructors, engineers, and computer scientists who already know analytic geometry and want a compact reference that ties classical differential geometry to computer modeling. It is especially useful for readers who plan to use Maple or similar symbolic systems to visualize and experiment with examples rather than only study abstract proofs.

Readers seeking a beginner's introduction to geometry without prior coordinate-method knowledge, or those who require step-by-step proofs of advanced theoretical results, should look elsewhere. This book prioritizes computational practice and examples over exhaustive formal theory.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Extensive illustrations make it easier to grasp geometric shapes and their properties.
• Numerous Maple programs accelerate hands-on learning and experimentation.
• Practical tools such as animation and color examples are included to demonstrate visual effects clearly.

Cons

• Not intended as a primer for readers without analytic geometry background, so it may feel terse to complete beginners.

Specifications

Our Verdict

Geometry of Curves and Surfaces with MAPLE is a concise, application-oriented resource for readers who want to combine coordinate geometry with symbolic computation and visualization. For students and professionals seeking practical Maple examples and rich illustrations, it represents strong value; those needing a thorough textbook on foundational proofs should supplement it with more theoretical references.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the book include working code examples?
Yes, it provides a large number of Maple programs and points to additional code on the publisher web site.

Is prior knowledge required?
Yes, familiarity with analytic geometry and coordinate methods is expected.

Are visualizations and animations covered?
Yes, the book presents 2-D and 3-D animation techniques along with color and shadow examples.