Abstract: Tree modeling is an important issue that interests both computer graphics and computer vision communities.This paper surveyed the recent techniques for tree modeling from the point of view of graphics, which are based on rule-based modeling,sketch-based modeling and image-based modeling technictues,and tried to characterize these algorithms according to their base techniques, assumptions, limitations and range of utilization. Some typical methods were summarued and the state-of-the-art progress was presented. The fundamental principles behind each technictue were also analyzed and compared. Finally, some future research issues on tree modeling were highlighted.

Key words: 3D tree modeling, Virtual reality, Rule-based modeling, Sketch-based modeling, Image-based modeling