Billboarding
Billboarding is a computer graphics technique used in 3D rendering where 2D sprites or textures are oriented to always face the camera, creating the illusion of 3D objects while maintaining visual consistency from any viewpoint. It is commonly employed in video games, simulations, and visual effects to render complex objects like trees, particles, or distant scenery efficiently without the computational cost of full 3D models. This method ensures that flat images appear as if they have volume and depth when viewed from different angles.
Developers should learn billboarding when working on real-time 3D applications, such as video games or VR/AR experiences, where performance optimization is critical for rendering large numbers of objects like foliage, clouds, or UI elements. It is particularly useful for creating particle effects, distant background elements, or impostors that reduce polygon counts while maintaining visual fidelity. By using billboarding, developers can achieve smoother frame rates and more immersive environments without sacrificing graphical quality.