The scene graph itself, a collection of nodes and edges, is a powerful and flexible organization framework that is intuitive to most computer folks. The set of software tools that are used to build and interact with the scene graph is called a scene graph applications programming interface (API). The combination of the API and the scene graph structure are collectively known as scene graph systems.

From a high-level view, scene graph systems are similar to common database systems in terms of the types of services they provide. A two-stage usage pattern is commonplace, with a preliminary creation phase followed by a secondary usage phase. The graphics application first creates and loads data into the scene graph, then the system renders the contents of the scene graph into an image.

Why Are Scene Graph Systems Useful?

Measurement of usefulness can be characterized in two ways, whether considering scene graph software or any other tool. First, are the features of the tool widely applicable to a broad range of problems? The second measure is the "duct tape" test: can the tool be useful in ways not anticipated by the tool's architect?