---
title: "Define spline curve"
subject: "Computer Graphics"
chapter: 5
key: "semester_5/computer_graphics:define-spline-curve"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_5/computer_graphics/define-spline-curve
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Define spline curve

Computer Graphics · Chapter 5: Curve Modeling

- Asked in: 2081 Chaitra (new course), 1 marks
- Video: [Spline Curve Explained in Hindi l Computer Graphics](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSPEFrJm8CU) — 5 Minutes Engineering
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_5/computer_graphics/define-spline-curve
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_5/computer_graphics/chapter-5

## Question

Define spline curve.

## Short answer

A spline curve is a smooth piecewise polynomial curve (usually cubic) built by joining sections end-to-end with specified continuity (e.g., C²). It is defined by control points for interpolation or approximation, originating from a flexible drafting strip.

## Answer

A **spline curve** is a smooth curve made of piecewise polynomial sections (usually cubic) joined end to end, with a specified continuity at each joint (such as C² continuity). The curve is shaped by a set of control points: it either passes through them (interpolation spline) or only follows their general shape (approximation spline). The term comes from the flexible strip used by draftsmen to draw smooth curves.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. A spline curve is made of:
   A. One high-degree polynomial with no joins
   B. Straight line segments only
   C. Piecewise polynomial sections joined smoothly with specified continuity
   D. Random points connected
   Answer: C. Splines are piecewise polynomials, usually cubic. (Key point: Spline meaning)

2. A spline that follows the shape of control points without passing through them is a(n):
   A. Approximation spline
   B. Interpolation spline
   C. Polygon spline
   D. Raster spline
   Answer: A. Approximation splines need not pass through the points. (Key point: Types)

3. The term spline comes from:
   A. A type of matrix
   B. A raster algorithm
   C. A flexible strip used by draftsmen to draw smooth curves
   D. A clipping window
   Answer: C. Draftsmen bent flexible strips through points. (Key point: Origin)

## Related in Computer Graphics

- [Interpolation versus approximation spline](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fcomputer_graphics%3Ainterpolation-vs-approximation-spline) — Computer Graphics, chapter 5, asked 2×
- [Curve modeling using splines](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fcomputer_graphics%3Acurve-modeling-using-splines) — Computer Graphics, chapter 5, asked 3×
- [Draw Bezier curve through 4 control points](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fcomputer_graphics%3Abezier-four-points-p0-0-0) — Computer Graphics, chapter 5

## Related in other subjects

- [B-spline curve versus Bezier curve](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_4%2Fcomputer_aided_design%3Abspline-vs-bezier) — Computer Aided Design, chapter 3