Re: [boost] Is there any interest in a geometry library?

From: Michael Marcin (mmarcin_at_[hidden])
Date: 2007-03-07 22:12:47

Hervé Brönnimann wrote:
> I'm always amazed that this discussion comes up from time to time and
> no one mentions cgal (www.cgal.org) which has a lot of the
> functionality (although 3D transformations could perhaps be improved,
> you can do it by extending the framework).
>
> In addition to kernel objects (2D, 3D, and d-dimensional for any d),
> incl. usual objects and transformation hierarchy, and predicates /
> constructions / intersections / distance computations, it has a bunch
> of data structure and algorithms such as convex hulls, minimum encl.
> boxes and ellipsoids, interpolation, triangulations and meshes,
> whatnot.  It is *huge* and if not complete, much more so than
> anything you would write from scratch.  It's also very easy to screw
> those functions, such as distance between two segments in 3D.  Just
> try, and then you'll appreciate how much cgal can do for you.
>
> Their transformation hierarchy is excellent, storing only a single
> float/double for a scaling transformation from the origin, or three
> float/doubles for a translation, e.g., and allowing either Cartesian
> or homogeneous coordinates.  It would be much more efficient to
> design an interface for quaternion / Euler angles / yaw/pitch/roll on
> top of the 3D transformation hierarchy, and the folks at cgal would
> not only love you but perhaps integrate your contribution into their
> releases. (Making no promises, I'm not involved with this project any
> more...)
>
> Go take a look at www.cgal.org and send msgs to their devel mailing
> list for any questions.   Good luck with your projects regardless if
> you do or not!
>

I've never heard of it before but I just went to their page and I am 
instantly met with the first case where it does not fit my requirements.  It 
requires you to buy a commercial license... this is hardly a Boost 
compatible license.

- Michael Marcin