What is Decimation?

Decimation is the process of reducing the polygon count of a 3D model while preserving its overall shape and appearance. This can be useful for optimizing models for use in real-time applications such as video games, where a higher polygon count can lead to decreased performance. Decimation can also be used to create lower-resolution versions of models for use in less demanding applications, or to reduce the file size of a model for storage or transmission purposes.

There are a variety of methods that can be used for decimation, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some methods focus on preserving specific features of the model, such as its overall shape or the sharpness of its edges, while others aim to produce a model with the lowest possible polygon count. The choice of method will often depend on the desired outcome and the particular characteristics of the model being decimated.