The number of control points along a spline determines the amount of control you have over the surface shape. In the same way that the spline’s numerical stiffness reflects the stiffness of the physical fairing rod, the number of control points is equivalent in a physical sense with the number of weights that are used to hold the rod in place. The more weights you use in one particular area of the rod, the more control you have over its shape. At the same time it is much more difficult to achieve a smooth curve without any unintended inflections in areas with a lot of weights.

Use the minimum number of control points that allows you to achieve a desired shape.

Continue reading Fair Net Equals Fair Surface.