MIP mapping

A texture mapping technique that uses multiple texture maps, or MIP maps. Each MIP map is half the size of the first one, providing several texture maps for various levels of depth. MIP mapping is combined with various other techniques to produce different amounts of realism. It is typically used with bilinear interpolation and always used with trilinear interpolation. MIP stands for "multum in parvo," which is Latin for "many in a small place." See bilinear interpolation, trilinear interpolation, texture map and point sampling.

MIP Maps

MIP maps provide more depth realism to objects, because texture maps for varying levels of depth have been prepared. (Redrawn from illustration courtesy of Intergraph Computer Systems.)