Advances in computer speed, memory capacity, and hardware graphics accelera
tion have made the interactive manipulation and visualization of complex, d
etailed (and therefore large) three-dimensional models feasible. These mode
ls are either painstakingly designed through an elaborate CAD process or re
verse engineered from sculpted prototypes using modern scanning technologie
s and integration methods. The availability of detailed data describing the
shape of an object offers the computer vision practitioner new ways to rec
ognize and localize free-form objects. This survey reviews recent literatur
e on both the 3D model building process and techniques used to match and id
entify free-form objects from imagery. (C) 2001 Academic Press.