After having a big dip in and dip out of lots of different websites I've moulded together a more.. Bearable definition that I find understandable.
Web definition explains it as - the study of anatomy based on regions or divisions of the body and emphasizing the relations between various structures.
Topology is the flow and organisation of the edges on any given 3D model. The definition of topology doesn't change relative to the model, instead only the way the topology is arranged. It's a study of how to organize parts of an object in the space they occupy to create a balance between the objects and the object as a whole. In 3D modelling, this means the organization of the structure, vertices, the flow of the edges and the polygons.
For a 'topological' (organic) mesh all quads using edge loops are used for defining the muscle and bone of the mesh. Edge loops function as defining the lines/curves/creases of an organic mesh. Also it's really important that all the polygons have a similar density and size in the mesh for an efficient and accurate subdivision and deformation.
Hard edged modelling does not require such a strict modelling work flow but can still take advantage of edge loops to help create a flow to the mesh.
Hard edged modelling does not require such a strict modelling work flow but can still take advantage of edge loops to help create a flow to the mesh.
"The relationships between surfaces in a solid model: for example, between loops, edges, and vertices."
(Below) Good topology.
(Below) Good topology.
(Below) Bad topology! As the mouth opens, the polygons stretch massively resulting in a break in the mesh. Click the image to see it move!
