This paper investigates the effectiveness of the distance fields method for building 3D graphics in comparison with the traditional polygonal approach. The main attention is paid to the use of analytical representation of models, which allows to determine the shortest distance to the objects of the scene and provides high speed even on weak hardware. Comparative analysis is made on the possibility of wide model detailing, applicability of different lighting sources, reflection mapping and model transformation. Conclusions are drawn about the promising potential of the distance field method for 3D graphics, especially in real-time rendering systems. It is also emphasized that further research and development in this area is relevant. Within the framework of this work, a universal software implementation of the distance fields method was realized.
Keywords: computer graphics, rendering, 3D graphics, ray marching, polygonal graphics, 3D graphics development, modeling, 3D models