Generate complex (non-convex) polyhedron UV mapping

Question

I need to find an approach to the problem of generating texture maps for non-convex polyhedrons without using a design tool. Specifically, I am mapping simulation results data onto a 3D surface. That is, in code (C# or VB preferably, since my target is WPF 3D).

One generic approach uses a GradientBrush to just map colors (as in the question here), but if the facets in the polyhedron are very narrow or the mapped (u,v) coordinates are very far apart on the same facet, the image gets noisy.

Are there any C#/.NET libraries (commercial or otherwise) applicable to this? In my research I've come across the term "atlas unwrapping", the descriptions of which sound like what I need.

In the absence of prewritten libraries, what articles or books would contain descriptions of the algorithm?

(I am familiar with the basics of 3D graphics and texture mapping, so there will be no need to supply a basic tutorial for that. If you want to leave a link to something like that in the comments, knock yourself out.)

Answer 1

It sound to me you don't want Atlas unwrapping. I think atlas unwrapping is something like nested uv mapping. But Uv-unwrapping and Least-Squares Conformal map is a similar technology. There is also angle based flattening. You can find some papers here: https://gamedev.stackexchange.com/questions/17779/c-c-code-to-generate-texture-coordinates-for-a-curved-surface.