What does "Sparse Voxel Octree" mean?

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A Sparse Voxel Octree (SVO) is a data structure used in computer graphics to manage 3D spaces efficiently. It breaks down a large area into smaller parts, called voxels, like how a tree splits into branches.

Unlike regular voxel grids that hold data for every tiny cube in the space, an SVO only keeps track of the voxels that actually have something in them. This makes it much lighter and quicker to use, especially when dealing with large scenes.

When rendering images or performing calculations, an SVO helps quickly find and use information about light and surfaces without needing a lot of memory. This is especially helpful in creating realistic images with less effort on memory and processing power.

Overall, the Sparse Voxel Octree is a smart way to organize and access 3D space in a way that saves resources while still getting good results.