Using Subdivision Surfaces

Maya's subdivision surfaces are very similar to the polygon smooth mesh preview. The primary distinction between smooth mesh preview and subdivision surfaces (aka subDs) is that subdivision surfaces allow you to subdivide a mesh to add detail only where you need it. For instance, if you want to sculpt a fngernail at the end of a fnger, using subDs you can select just the tip of the fnger and increase the subdivisions. Then you have more vertices to work with just at the fngertip, and you can sculpt the fngernail.

Most subD models start out as polygons and are converted to subDs only toward the end of the modeling process. You should create UV texture coordinates while the model is still made of polygons. They are carried over to the subDs when the model is converted.