Fitting curves can be a time-consuming endeavor, and yet, even at this point in the tutorial your surface edges do not have the same X, Y, and Z directions as the input data. Additional curves are required to construct a proper surface. The new curves will need to be fitted and monitored for their deviation from the scan line. But instead of repeating the same tasks detailed in previous sections of the tutorial, you can take a break from fitting curves by learning about another method called Patch Layouts.
A Patch Layout is a master plan of the surfaces that cover the model. A Patch Layout shows which edges will need to be trimmed, how many surfaces in total will be required to complete the project, and how big they will need to be. For the beginner, most of the hard work happens before the point in the project where a Patch Layout can be generated. After generating the Patch Layout, you can concentrate on polishing and refinishing the surface to achieve a closer fit to the scan line. Once you become more familiar with structuring surface models, your workflow may change.
The subject of correct Patch Layout procedures is larger than the scope of this tutorial.
To learn more about Patch Layouts, examine surface data sets and experiment with taping surface edges onto physical models. These procedures will help you to think about the surface modeling process like a professional.
When approaching a new modeling assignment, try to imagine building the model by hand, or sketch ideas for how you would like to structure the surfaces. In situations where more complicated surfaces are required, such as ball corners, it may help to make small clay models by hand to rough out a tangible guide.
