Abstract: Multiresolution analysis and wavelets provide useful and efficient tools for representing functions at multiple levels of detail. Wavelet representations have been used in a broad range of applications, including image compression, physical simulation, and numerical analysis. In this article, we present a new class of wavelets, based on subdivision surfaces, that radically extends the class of representable functions. Whereas previous two-dimensional methods were restricted to functions defined on R², the subdivision wavelets developed here may be applied to functions defined on compact surfaces of arbitrary topological type. We envision many applications of this work, including continuous level-of-detail control for graphics rendering, compression of geometric models, and acceleration of global illumination algorithms. Level-of-detail control for spherical domains is illustrated using two examples: shape approximation of a polyhedral model, and color approximation of global terrain data.