Visualization of the Model Cross-section Using OpenGL

Clipping visualized 3D models with user-defined clipping planes is one of basic OpenGL features that allows the user to look inside the models.

However, in some cases it is more interesting to investigate the cross-section shape rather than the model’s internals. For this purpose, the cross-section should be visualized in shading using some distinctive visual attributes (specific color, hatching).

Solving this task geometrically might be a heavy work with large complicated CAD models. If visualization of the cross-section is the only goal, this task can be solved efficiently using OpenGL-based capping algorithm.

A gif showing sample results of my capping algorithm: